THE HARRIS-INGRAM EXPERIMENT

 By CHARLES E. BOLTON, M. A. 

AUTHOR OF "A MODEL VILLAGE AND OTHER PAPERS, " "TRAVELS IN EUROPE ANDAMERICA, " ETC. 

 CLEVELAND

 THE BURROWS BROTHERS COMPANY

 1905

TO MY WIFESARAH KNOWLES BOLTONAND MY SONCHARLES KNOWLES BOLTON

INTRODUCTION

This volume was ready for publication when my husband died, October 23, 1901. In it, in connection with a love story and some foreign travel, hestrove to show how necessary capital and labor are to each other. He hadalways been a friend to labor, and there were no more sincere mourners athis funeral than the persons he employed. He believed capital should beconciliatory and helpful, and co-operate with labor in the most friendlymanner, without either party being arrogant or indifferent. 

Mr. Bolton took the deepest interest in all civic problems, and it is acomfort to those who loved him that his book, "A Model Village and OtherPapers, " came from the press a few days before his death. He had hopedafter finishing a book of travel, having crossed the ocean many times andbeen in many lands, and doing some other active work in public life, totake a trip around the world and rest, but rest came in another way. 

Sarah K. Bolton

Cleveland, Ohio. 

PREFACE

Mr. W. D. Howells, in reply to a literary society in Ashtabula County, Ohio, said that most people had within their personal experience onebook. 

I have often quoted Howells's words to my best friend, who has written ascore of books, and the answer as frequently comes, "Why not write a bookyourself?" Encouraged by Howells's belief, and stimulated by the acceptedchallenge of my friend, to whom I promised a completed book in twelvemonths, I found time during a very busy year to pencil the chapters thatfollow. Most of the book was written while waiting at stations, or on thecars, and in hotels, using the spare moments of an eight-months' lectureseason, and the four months at home occupied by business. 

I am aware that some critics decry a novel written with a purpose. Permitme therefore in advance to admit that this book has a double purpose: Totest the truth of Howells's words as applied to myself; and to describe ajourney, both at home and abroad, which may possibly be enjoyed by thereader, the inconveniences of travel being lessened by incidentallytracing a love story to a strange but perhaps satisfactory conclusion;the whole leading to the evolution of a successful experiment, which infragments is being tried in various parts of the civilized world. 

CONTENTS

Chapter IThe Harrises in New York

Chapter IIMr. Hugh Searles of London Arrives

Chapter IIIA Bad Send-off

Chapter IVAboard the S. S. Majestic

Chapter VDiscomfitures at Sea

Chapter VIHalf Awake, Half Asleep

Chapter VIILife at Sea a Kaleidoscope

Chapter VIIIColonel Harris Returns to Harrisville

Chapter IXCapital and Labor in Conference

Chapter XKnowledge is Power

Chapter XIIn Touch with Nature

Chapter XIIThe Strike at Harrisville

Chapter XIIIAnarchy and Results

Chapter XIVColonel Harris Follows his Family Abroad

Chapter XVSafe Passage, and a Happy Reunion

Chapter XVIA Search for Ideas

Chapter XVIIThe Harrises Visit Paris

Chapter XVIIIIn Belgium and Holland

Chapter XIXParis, and the Wedding

Chapter XXAboard the Yacht "Hallena"

Chapter XXITwo Unanswered Letters

Chapter XXIIColonel Harris's Big Blue Envelope

Chapter XXIIIGold Marries Gold

Chapter XXIVThe Magic Band of Beaten Gold

Chapter XXVWorkings of the Harris-Ingram Experiment

Chapter XXVIUnexpected Meetings

Chapter XXVIIThe Crisis

THE HARRIS-INGRAM EXPERIMENT

CHAPTER I

THE HARRISES IN NEW YORK

It was five o'clock in the afternoon, when a bright little messenger boyin blue touched the electric button of Room No. ---- in Carnegie Studio, New York City. At once the door flew open and a handsome young artistreceived a Western Union telegram, and quickly signed his name, "AlfonsoH. Harris" in the boy's book. 

"Here, my boy, is twenty-five cents, " he said, and tore open the message, which read as follows:--

 Harrisville, --. 

 _Alfonso H. Harris, Carnegie Studio, New York. _

 We reach Grand Central Depot at 7:10 o'clock tomorrow evening in our new private car Alfonso. Family greetings; all well. 

 Reuben Harris. 

Alfonso put the telegram in his pocket, completed packing his steamertrunk, wrote a letter to his landlord, enclosing a check for the lastquarter's rent, and ran downstairs and over to the storage company, toleave an order to call for two big trunks of artist's belongings, notneeded in Europe. 

A hansom-cab took him to the Windsor Hotel, where he almost forgot to payhis barber for a shave, such was his excitement. A little dry toast, twosoft boiled eggs, and a cup of coffee were quite sufficient, since hisappetite, usually very good, somehow had failed him. 

It was now fifteen minutes to seven o'clock. In less than half an hourAlfonso was to meet his father, mother, and sisters, and after a few daysin the metropolis, join them in an extended journey over the BritishIsles, and possibly through portions of Europe. 

Alfonso was the only son of Reuben Harris, a rich manufacturer of ironand steel. His father, a man naturally of very firm will, had earnestlylonged that his only son might succeed him in business, and so increaseand perpetuate a fortune already colossal. It was a terrible struggle forHarris senior to yield to his son's strong inclination to study art, butonce the father had been won over, no doubt in part by the mother'sstrong love for her only boy, he assured Alfonso that he would be loyalto him, so long as his son was loyal to his profession. This had giventhe boy courage, and he had improved every opportunity while in New Yorkto acquaint himself with art, and his application to study had been suchthat he was not only popular with his fellow artists, but they recognizedthat he possessed great capacity for painstaking work. 

Alfonso jumped into a coupé, having ordered a carriage to follow him tothe Grand Central Station. It was ten minutes yet before the express wasdue. Nervously he puffed at his unlighted cigar, wishing he had a match;in fact, his nerves were never more unstrung. It was a happy surprise, and no doubt his youthful vanity was elated, that his father should havenamed his new palace car "Alfonso. " At least it convinced him that hisfather was loyal. 

As the coupé stopped, he rushed into the station, just in time to see thefamous engine No. 999 pull in. She was on time to a second, as indicatedby the great depot clock. A ponderous thing of life; the steam and airvalves closed, yet her heavy breathing told of tremendous reserve power. What a record she had made, 436-1/2 miles in 425-3/4 minutes! Truly, man's most useful handiwork, to be surpassed only by the practical dynamoon wheels! It was not strange that the multitude on the platform gazed inwonder. 

There at the rear of the train was the "Alfonso, " and young Harris incompany with his artist friend, Leo, who by appointment had also hastenedto the station, stepped quickly back to meet the occupants of the newcar. 

First to alight was Jean, valet to the Harris family. Jean was born nearParis and could speak French, German, and several other languages. Hishands and arms were full to overflowing of valises, hat boxes, shawls, canes, etc. , that told of a full purse, but which are the very thingsthat make traveling a burden. 

By this time Alfonso had climbed the car steps and was in his mother'sarms. Mrs. Harris was more fond, if possible, of her only son than of herbeautiful daughters. She was a handsome woman herself, loved dress andwas proud of the Harris achievements. Alfonso kissed his sisters, Lucilleand Gertrude, and shook hands warmly with his father, who was busy givinginstructions to his car conductor. 

Alfonso in his joy had almost forgotten his friend Leo, but apologizing, he introduced him, first to his mother, then to Gertrude and finally tohis sister Lucille, and their father. All seemed glad to meet their son'sfriend, as he was to take passage in the same steamer for his home nearRome. 

Leo Colonna was connected with the famous Colonna family of Italy. Fromchildhood he had had access to the best schools and galleries of hispeninsular country. He also had studied under the best masters in Parisand Berlin, and was especially fond of flesh coloring and portraitpainting. He had studied anatomy, and had taken a diploma as surgeon inthe best medical college in Vienna, merely that he might know the humanform. Alfonso, aware of all this, had invited Leo to join their party inmaking the tour over Ireland, England, and through the Netherlands. 

As Lucille left the car, Leo offered aid, taking her blue silk umbrellawith its wounded-oak handle, the whole rolled as small as a cane. Lucillenever appeared to better advantage. She was tall, slender, and graceful. Excitement had tinged her cheeks and lips, and her whole face had achild's smooth, pink complexion. Wavy black hair and blue eyes revealedthe Irish blood that had come from the mother's veins. She wore atraveling suit of navy-blue serge. Her hat, of latest style, was made ofblack velvet, steel ornaments, and ostrich tips. What artist could resistadmiring a woman so fair and commanding! The dark eyes of Leo had metthose of Lucille, and he at once had surrendered. In fact, a formidablerival had now conquered Leo's heart. 

Together they led the way to the front entrance of the station, whileHarris senior delayed a moment to exhibit the car "Alfonso" to his son. "I had this private car built, " said the father, "that the Harris familymight be exclusive. Napoleon once said:--'Let me be seen but three timesat the theatre, and I shall no longer excite attention. ' Our car isadapted for service on any standard gauge road, so that we can travel inprivacy throughout the United States. You notice that this observationroom is furnished in quartered English oak, and has a luxurious sofa andarm chairs. Let us step back. Here on the right are state and familyrooms finished in mahogany; each room has a connecting toilet room, with wash stand and bath room, hot and cold water being provided, alsomirrors, wardrobe and lockers. The parlor or dining room is eighteen feetlong and the extension table will seat twelve persons. Here also is awell selected library and writing desk. "

"But where is the kitchen?" asked Alfonso. 

"Beyond, " said the father. "The pantry, china closet, and kitchen arefinished in black walnut. Blankets, linen, and tableware are of bestquality. Here are berths for attendants and porter's room for baggage. Carpets, rugs, draperies, and upholstery were especially imported toharmonize. Nobody amounts to much in these days, Alfonso, unless he ownsa private car or a steam yacht. Henceforth this car, named in your honor, may play an important part in the history of the Harris family. "

Mrs. Harris, Leo, and Lucille, took seats in the carriage; Gertrude andher mother were on the back seat, while Lucille and her artist friendfaced Mrs. Harris and daughter. 

Jean sat upright with the coachman. Colonel Harris and Alfonso rejoinedtheir friends and together entered the coupé. Reuben Harris once servedon the governor's staff for seven weeks, ranking as colonel, so now allhis friends, even his family, spoke of him as "the Colonel. " It was well, as it pleased his vanity. 

The coachmen's whips left their sockets, and coupé and carriage dashedalong 42nd Street and down Fifth Avenue. The ten minutes' drive passed asa dream to some in the carriage. Mrs. Harris's mind revelled in theintricate warfare of society. She had often been in New York, and inthe summers was seen at the most fashionable watering places with herchildren. Her mind was burdened trying to discover the steps that lead tothe metropolitan and international "four hundred. " She was determinedthat her children should marry into well regulated families, and that thecolonel should have a national reputation. So absorbed was she that hereyes saw not, neither did her ears hear what transpired in the carriage. Gertrude was equally quiet; her thoughts were of dear friends she hadleft in Harrisville. The occupants of the front seats had talked in lowtones of recent society events in New York, and a little of art. Lucilleherself had dabbled in color for a term or two in a fashionable school onthe Back Bay in Boston. 

The colonel had become enthusiastic in his talk about his own recentbusiness prosperity. Suddenly coupé and carriage stopped in front of themain entrance of the Hotel Waldorf. How fine the detail of arch andcolumns! How delicate the architect's touch of iron and glass in theporte-cochère!

The Harris family stepped quickly into the public reception-room to theleft of the main entrance adjoining the office, leaving Jean and theporter to bring the hand-baggage. The decorated ceiling framed a centralgroup of brilliant incandescent lights with globes. Leo directedattention to the paintings on the walls, and furniture and rugs. 

The colonel excused himself and passed out and into the main offices. Thesight about him was an inspiring one. The architect's wand had wroughtgrace and beauty in floor, ceiling, column, and wall. Gentlemen, old andyoung, were coming and going. Professional men, not a few, bankers andbusiness men jostled each other. Before the colonel had reached theclerk's desk, he had apologized, twice at least, for his haste. The factwas that metropolitan activity delighted his heart, but it disturbed justa little his usual good behavior. Nervously, he wrote in the Waldorfregister plain Reuben Harris, wife and two daughters. He wanted to prefixcolonel. His son added his own name. Colonel Harris, at his request, wasgiven the best apartments in the Waldorf. 

Leo excused himself for the night, Lucille saying the last words in lowtones, and then, liveried attendants conducted the Harris family to theirsuite of rooms. It was half past eight when the Harrises sat down totheir first meal in their private dining-room. As Mrs. Harris waited forher hot clam soup to cool a little, she said, "Reuben, this exclusivenessand elegance is quite to my liking. After our return from Europe, whycan't we all spend our winters in New York?"

"No, mother, " said Gertrude, "we have our duties to the people ofHarrisville, and father, I am sure, will never stay long away from hismills. "

But Lucille approved her mother's plan, and was seconded by her brother. Colonel Harris was interested in the views expressed, but with judicialtone, he replied, "The Harrises better wait till the right time comes. Great financial changes are possible in a day. "

The dinner, though late, was excellent. Before ten o'clock all were gladto retire, except the head of the family, who hoped the night would beshort, as the next day might witness very important businesstransactions. 

Colonel Harris took the elevator down to the gentlemen's café, adjoiningthe beautiful Garden Court. For a moment he stood admiring the massivefire-place and the many artistic effects, mural and otherwise. The caféwas furnished with round tables and inviting chairs. Guests of the hotel, members of city clubs, and strangers, came and went, but the colonel'smind was in an anxious mood, so he sought a quiet corner, lighted acigar, and accidently picked up the _Evening Post_. Almost the firstthing he read was an item of shipping news:

 "No word yet from the overdue steamship 'Majestic;' she is already forty-eight hours late, and very likely has experienced bad weather. "

The "Majestic" is one of the largest and best of the famous White StarLine fleet. Colonel Harris expected an English gentleman to arrive bythis boat, and he had come on to New York to meet him, as the two hadbusiness of great importance to talk over. "I wonder, " thought thecolonel, "if such a thing could happen, that my cherished plan ofretiring with millions, might possibly be frustrated by ship-wreck or anyunlooked-for event?" Whereupon he pulled from his pocket a cablegram, tomake himself doubly sure that his was not a fool's errand, and again readit in audible tones:

 London, May 24, 18--. _Col. Reuben Harris, Hotel Waldorf, New York. _

 Hugh Searles, our agent, sails May twenty-fifth on Majestic. Meet him at Hotel Waldorf, New York. 

 Guerney & Barring. 

The signers of the cablegram were young bankers and brokers, occupyingsumptuous quarters on Threadneedle Street, in sight of the Bank ofEngland, the Exchange, and the Mansion House or official residence of theLord Mayor of London. The fathers of each member of the firm had been atthe head of great banking houses in London for many years, and afterherculean efforts, their banks had failed. These young men had unitedfamilies and forces, and resolved to win again a financial standing inthe world's metropolis. Shrewdly they had opened a score of branchoffices in different parts of London and county; besides they had addeda brokerage business, which had drifted into an extensive specialty ofpromoting syndicates in America and the colonies. Their success inhandling high grade manufacturing plants had been phenomenal. Already atthis business they had netted two million pounds. Reliable and expertaccountants were always sent by them to examine thoroughly a client'sledgers. Already, bonds that carried the approval of Guerney & Barring, found ready market on Lombard, Prince, and other financial streets nearthe Bank of England. 

Colonel Harris relighted his cigar and queried to himself, "What ought Ito charge these Englishmen for a property that cost barely two millions, but that has brought to the Harris family, annually for ten years, anaverage of 30%, or $600, 000?" At first he had fixed upon six millions asa fair price, and then finally upon five million dollars. While he thusreflected, he fell asleep. It was after eleven o'clock when the Waldorfattendant caught him, or he would have fallen from his chair to thefloor. Colonel Harris gave him a piece of silver, and retired for thenight. 

CHAPTER II

HUGH SEARLES OF LONDON ARRIVES

The next day was Sunday, and the Harris family slept late. Jean was firstto rise, and buying the morning papers left them at Colonel Harris'sdoor. 

It was almost nine o'clock when the family gathered in their privatedining-room. The night's sleep had refreshed all. The mother was verycheerful over her coffee, and heartily enjoyed planning for the day. Sheliked New York best of the American cities. Brown stone and marblefronts, fine equipage and dress, had charms for her, that almost madeher forget a pleasant home and duties at Harrisville. She was heart andsoul in her husband's newest scheme to close out business, and devotethe balance of life to politics and society. Naturally therefore thetable-talk drifted to a discussion of the possible causes of thesteamer's delay. 

Lucille looked up, and said, "Father, the _Tribune_ says, 'Fair weatherfor New England and the Atlantic coast. ' Cheer up! The 'Majestic' willbring your Englishman in, I think. This is a lovely day to be in themetropolis. Come father, let me sweeten your coffee. One or two lumps?"

"Two, my dear, if you please. Now what will give you all the mostpleasure to-day?"

Alfonso answered, "Why not take a drive, and possibly attend somechurch?"

This plan was approved. Breakfast over, the Harris family entereda carriage, and the coachman, with Jean by his side, drove throughWashington Square, under the American Arch of Triumph, and out FifthAvenue, the fashionable street of New York. Alfonso acted as guide. "Thiswhite sepulchral looking building on the left at the corner of 34thstreet is where A. T. Stewart, the Irish merchant prince, lived. "

Gertrude remarked, "How true in his case, the proverb 'Riches certainlymake themselves wings; they fly away, as an eagle towards heaven. '"

"You should quote Scripture correctly, my child, " said the mother. "'Riches take wings. '"

"No, no, mamma--I am sure that I am right. 'Riches _make_ themselveswings' and the proverb is as true to-day as in Solomon's time. "

"Well, Gertrude, we will look at the hotel Bible on our return. "

"Yes, mamma, if the hotel has one. "

Colonel Harris responded, "I think Gertrude is right. Stewart's millionshave changed hands. Dead men have no need of dollars. No wonder Stewart'sbones were restless. "

"Here at West 39th Street is the sumptuous building of the Union LeagueClub. It has over 1500 members, all pledged to absolute loyalty to theGovernment of the United States, to resist every attempt against theintegrity of the nation, and to promote reform in national, state, andmunicipal affairs. The club equipped and sent two full regiments to thefront in the Civil War. "

Alfonso pointed out Jay Gould's old residence, more club houses, libraries, the Windsor Hotel, Dr. Hall's handsome Presbyterian Church, and the brown stone and marble palaces of the Vanderbilt family, twomiles of splendid residences and magnificent churches before you reachCentral Park at 59th Street. 

The walks were thronged with beautiful women and well dressed men. It wasnow 10:30 o'clock. The chimes had ceased their hallowed music. People ofall nationalities were jostling each other in their haste to enter St. Patrick's Cathedral, a copy of the Gothic masterpiece in Cologne, and themost imposing church building in America. 

The Harris carriage stopped; Lucille's heart suddenly began to beatquickly, for she saw Leo Colonna hastening from the Cathedral stepstowards the carriage. "Good morning, Mrs. Harris! Glad you have come tomy church, " Leo said; then taking her hand cordially, he added, "Andyou have brought the family. Well, I am pleased, for you could not havecome to a more beautiful church or service. "

As Leo conducted his friends up the granite steps, all were enthusiasticin their praise of the Fifth Avenue façade; white marble from granitebase to the topmost stones of the graceful twin spires. 

All passed under the twelve apostles, that decorate the grand portal, and entered the cathedral. The interior is as fine as the exterior. Thecolumns are massive, the ceiling groined; the style is the decorated orgeometric architecture, that prevailed in Europe in the thirteenthcentury. The cardinal's gothic throne is on the right. The four altarsare of carved French walnut, Tennessee marble and bronze. Half of theseventy windows are memorials, given by parishes and individuals invarious parts of America. The vicar-general was conducting services. Hisimpressive manner, aided by the sweet tones of singers and organ, and thesun's rays changed to rainbows by the stained-glass windows, produceda deep religious feeling in the hearts of the several thousand personspresent. 

As the party left the church, Leo said, "In 1786, the Kings of France andSpain contributed to the erection of the first cathedral church, St. Peter's, in New York. " The Harrises having invited Leo to dinner, saidgood-bye to him, and in their carriage returned to the Waldorf for lunch. 

While the colonel waited near the reception-room, he chanced to look atthe stained-glass window over the entrance to the Garden Court. Here waspictured the village of Waldorf, the birthplace of the original JohnJacob Astor. This pretty little hamlet is part of the Duchy of Baden, Germany, and has been lovingly remembered in the Astor wills. Hereformerly lived the impecunious father of John Jacob Astor and hisbrother. Both gained wealth, very likely, because the value of money wasfirst learned in the early Waldorf school of poverty. It was not an illnorth wind that imprisoned young Astor for weeks in the ice of theChesapeake Bay, as there on the small ship that brought him from Germany, he listened to marvelous tales of fortunes to be made in furs in thenorthwest. Shrewdly he determined first to acquire expert knowledge ofskins, and on landing he luckily found employment in a fur store in NewYork at two dollars per week. This knowledge became the foundation of thevast fortune of the Astor family. The colonel was told that the Waldorfoccupies the site of the town-house of John Jacob Astor, third of thename, and was erected by his son, William Waldorf, ex-minister to Italy. 

It was two o'clock when the Harrises entered the main dining-room fortheir lunch. The colonel led the party, Alfonso conducting his sisterLucille, the light blue ribbon at her throat of the tint of herresponsive eyes. Mrs. Harris came with Gertrude. The mother wore a graygown, and her daughter a pretty silk. This first entrance of the familyto the public dining-room caused a slight diversion among some of theguests at lunch, where not a few rightly surmised who they were. 

Few markets in the world rival that of New York. The coast, streams, andvalleys of New England and the Central States, send their best food byswift steamers and express, that the exacting cosmopolitan appetite maybe satisfied. 

Before the lunch was over and while Reuben Harris was making reference tothe delay of his English visitor, the waiter placed a white card by hisplate. The color in the colonel's face suddenly deepened, as he read uponthe card the name of Mr. Hugh Searles, representing Messrs. Guerney &Barring, London. 

"What's the matter, Reuben?" anxiously inquired Mrs. Harris. 

"Oh, nothing, " said the colonel, "only that our overdue English visitor, Hugh Searles, has sent in his card. "

"How surprising, " said Lucille; "you remember, father, that I said atbreakfast, that the weather was to be fair. Probably the 'Majestic'quickened her speed, and stole in unobserved to the docks. "

"I will send him my card;" and upon it Mr. Harris wrote in pencil, "Iwill soon join you in the reception room. "

The black coffee disposed of, it was agreed that all should accompanyColonel Harris, and give Mr. Searles a cordial welcome to America. 

The English agent was a good sailor, and had enjoyed immensely the oceanvoyage. Mr. Searles, of late over-worked in England, was compelled onboard ship to rest both mind and body. A true Englishman, Mr. Searles, was very practical. He comprehended fully the importance of his missionto America, and possessed the tact of getting on in the world. If theproposed deal with Reuben Harris was a success, he expected as commissionnot less than five thousand pounds. Before the "Majestic" left theMersey, that his mind might be alert on arrival at New York, he hadmeasured with tape line the promenade deck of the steamer, and resolvedto make enough laps for a mile, both before and after each meal, a walkof six miles per day, or a total of forty-eight miles for the voyage. 

A sturdy Englishman, taking such vigorous and methodical exercise, created some comment among the passengers, but it was excused on theground that Englishmen believe in much outdoor exercise. Searles camefrom a good family, who lived north of London in Lincolnshire. Hisfather, the Hon. George Searles, had a competency, largely invested inlands, and three per cent consols. His rule of investment was, securityunquestioned and interest not above three per cent, believing thatneither creditors nor enterprise of any kind, in the long run, couldafford to pay more. His ancestors were Germans, who crossed the GermanOcean, soon after the Romans withdrew from England. 

A large area of Lincolnshire lies below the level of the sea, from whichit is protected by embankments. This fenny district gradually had beenreclaimed, and to-day the deep loam and peat-soils, not unlike the richfarms of Holland, are celebrated for their high condition of agriculture. What mortgages the Hon. George Searles held were secured uponLincolnshire estates, some of England's best lands. 

Hugh Searles, his son, however, had known only London life since hegraduated from Cambridge. His office was in Chancery Lane, and hissurroundings and teachings had been of the speculative kind, hence he wasa fit agent for his firm. Already he had acquired a sunny suburban homein Kent, and was ambitious to hold a seat in Parliament. As he walked thesteamer's deck, he looked the typical Englishman, five feet ten inches inheight, broad shoulders and full chest; his weight about two hundredpounds, or "fifteen stones" as Searles phrased it. 

His face was round and ruddy, his beard closely cut, and his hair lightand fine, indicating quality. His step was firm, and he seemed always indeep study. When addressed by his fellow passengers however, he wascourteous, always talked to the point in his replies, and was anxious tolearn more of America, or as he expressed it, "of the Anglo-Saxonconfederation. " He was very proud of his Anglo-Saxon origin, and Empire, and believed in the final Anglo-Saxon ascendancy over the world. 

On board ship were several young Englishmen, who were on their return tovarious posts of duty. Three were buyers for cotton firms in Liverpooland Manchester, and they were hastening back to Norfolk, Va. , Memphis, and New Orleans. Two of the passengers were English officers, returningto their commands in far away Australia. Others, like Searles, werecrossing the Atlantic for the first time in search of fame and fortune. These adventurous Englishmen thought it fine sport as the "Majestic"sighted Fire Light Island to join the enthusiastic Americans in singing"America. " So heartily did they sing, that the Americans in turn, usingthe same tune, cordially sang "God save the Queen. "

At first Hugh Searles was a little disconcerted, when the whole Harrisfamily approached him in the Waldorf reception-room. Colonel Harriscordially extended his hand, and said, "Mr. Searles, we are all glad tomeet you, and bid you hearty welcome to America. Please let me make youacquainted with my wife, Mrs. Harris, my daughters, Gertrude and Lucille, and my son, Alfonso. "

"An unexpected greeting you give me, Colonel Harris, " said Hugh Searles, as he gave each person a quick hand-shake, thinking that to be anAmerican he must grasp hands cordially. 

The family were much interested in the details of Mr. Searles's voyage, as they expected soon to be en route for Europe. Mr. Searles said, "Thecause of the 'Majestic's' delay was a broken propeller in rough seas offthe Banks of Newfoundland. I am glad to reach New York. " He had arrivedat the Hotel at ten o'clock and already had been to lunch. 

Mr. Searles gladly accepted an invitation from Colonel Harris for adrive, Mrs. Harris and Lucille to accompany them. Searles expressed awish to see the famous Roebling suspension bridge, so the coachman drovefirst down Broadway to the post office, then past the great newspaperbuildings, and out upon the marvelous highway or bridge suspended in theair between New York and Brooklyn. When midway, Mr. Searles begged tostep out of the carriage, and putting his arms around one of the fourenormous cables, inquired of Colonel Harris how these huge cables werecarried over the towers. 

Colonel Harris explained that each cable was composed of over fivethousand steel wires, and that a shuttle carried the wire back and forthtill the requisite strength of cables was obtained. The expense of thebridge was about $15, 000, 000, which the two cities paid. Its greatutility had been abundantly proved by the repeated necessity of enlargingthe approaches. 

The drive to the Central Park was up Fifth Avenue, home of America'smulti-millionaires. An unending cavalcade of superb family equipages waspassing through the entrance at 59th Street. Colonel Harris explainedthat "Central Park had been planted with over half a million trees, shrubs and vines, and that which was once a waste of rock and swamp, hadby skill of enthusiastic engineers and landscape gardeners blossomed intogreen lawns, shady groves, vine-covered arbors, with miles of roads andwalks, inviting expanses of water, picturesque bits of architecture, andscenery, that rival the world's parks. "

The ride and comments of Mr. Searles afforded the Harris family anopportunity to study their guest, and on returning to the hotel, allagreed that Hugh Searles was thoroughly equipped to protect his Englishpatrons in any deal that he might decide to make. It was planned that allshould dine together at eight, and Leo was to join the party byinvitation of Lucille. 

Evidently the Harrises were well pleased with their English visitor, buttheir pleasure was also quickened with the bright prospect of severalmillions of English money for their manufacturing interest. Then aftertheir visit to Europe might follow the long looked-for residence indelightful New York. Already rich Americans, famous authors and artistsgravitate as naturally to this new world metropolis, as the world's eliteto London and Paris. 

CHAPTER III

A BAD SEND-OFF

It was almost eight o'clock when the dinner party assembled in thereception-room of the Waldorf. Leo was first to arrive, and Lucille wasthere to receive him. At ten minutes of eight, solicitor Hugh Searlescame; then entered Colonel Harris and his daughters, Alfonso followingwith his mother. Mrs. Harris wore a black satin dress with jet trimmingsand Van Dyke lace. Lucille's dress of light blue faille silk, garnishedwith pearls and guipure lace, was very becoming. Leo so told Lucille, andshe thanked him but hid behind her lips the thought that Leo never beforeseemed half so manly. Mr. Searles evidently admired Leo, and he talked tohim of Italy's greatness in literature and art. He sat at ColonelHarris's right, opposite Mrs. Harris. Leo and Lucille occupied seats atthe end of the table, and at their right and left sat Alfonso andGertrude. 

Guests of the hotel and their friends chatted in low conversation at themany tables of the model dining-room. Electric lights shone soft in theceiling, and under pretty shades at each table, which added much to thegeneral effect. 

Long before the sweets and fruits were reached, the conversation haddrifted from one conventional topic to another, until Mrs. Harris askedHugh Searles what he thought of higher education for women. 

"Yes, yes, Mr. Searles, " said Gertrude, "please tell us all about theEnglish girl. "

"Does she go to college, and does she ride a bicycle!" queried Lucille. 

Mrs. Harris was eager to listen to the Englishman's reply for often shehad earnestly talked the matter over in her home. Mr. Searles was veryfrank in his views, and surprisingly liberal for an Englishman, and wellhe might be, for his own mother was a power, and his sisters were strongmental forces in Lincolnshire. Aided by tutors and their scholarlymother, they had pursued at home, under difficulties, about the samecourse of studies, that Hugh, their brother, had followed in theuniversity. 

Searles believed that absolute freedom should be given to women to doanything they wished to do in the world, provided they could do it aswell as men, and that nobody had any right to assert they should not. 

Colonel Harris, even for a business man, was also advanced in his ideas. He had advocated for his daughters that they should possess healthybodies and minds, and be able to observe closely and reason soundly. 

Lucille said that she favored an education which would best conserve andenlarge woman's graces, her delicate feeling and thought, and her lovefor the beautiful. 

Then Leo and Alfonso both declared that Lucille had expressed fully theirown opinions. 

Colonel Harris added, "Come, Gertrude, tell us what you think. "

Her face flushed a little as she replied, for she felt all that she said, "Father, I like what Mr. Searles has told us. I think higher educationfor women should develop purity of heart, self-forgetfulness, andenlarged and enriched minds. "

"Well spoken, daughter, " said Colonel Harris. "Now, dear, what have youto say?"

Mrs. Harris had listened well, as she had been a slave in the interestsof her children, especially of her daughters. She thought that the lasttwenty-five years had proved that women in physical and intellectualcapacity were able to receive and profit by a college education. Oftenshe had longed for the same training of mind that men of her acquaintanceenjoyed. The subject was thus discussed with profit, till the Turkishcoffee was served. Closing the discussion, Searles thought that Americaled England in offering better education to woman, but that England hadgiven her more freedom in politics; the English woman voted for nearlyall the elective officers, except members of Parliament. He believed thatthe principle of education of woman belonged to her as a part ofhumanity; that it gave to her a self-centered poise, that it made her acompetent head of the home, where the family is trained as a unit ofcivilization. 

He felt that woman possessed the finest and highest qualities, and thatit was her mission to project and incorporate these elevating qualitiesinto society. He thought man had nothing to fear or lose, but much togain; that to multiply woman's colleges everywhere, was to furnish thetwentieth century, or "Woman's Century" as Victor Hugo called it, witha dynamic force, that would beget more blessings for humanity than allprevious centuries. 

Gertrude thanked Mr. Searles for what he had said, and the party withdrewto the Winter Garden Café, pretty with palms, where Lucille, Leo, andAlfonso talked of society matters, of art and music. 

Gertrude read to her mother, while Hugh Searles and Colonel Harrisstepped outside into the gentlemen's café for a smoke, as both were fondof a cigar. There the conversation naturally drifted upon the tariffquestion. 

Mr. Searles asserted that he favored free trade, and that he was sorryAmerica was not as far advanced and willing as Great Britain to recognizethe universal and fundamental principle of the brotherhood of mankind, and the inborn right of everybody to trade as he liked in the world'scheapest markets. He added that he sometimes felt that Americans weretoo selfish, too much in love with the vulgar dollar. 

Colonel Harris, wounded in his patriotism, now showed that he was alittle disturbed. He thanked Searles for his deep interest in Americans, adding, "We are glad you have come to study Americans and America. " Thenlooking the Englishman full in the face he said, "Mr. Searles, you willfind human nature much the same wherever you travel. Nations usuallystrive to legislate, each for its own interest. You say, 'Americans workfor the almighty dollar. ' So they do, and earnestly too, but our kith andkin across the sea worship with equal enthusiasm the golden sovereign. Look at the monuments to protection in your own city. "

"What monuments?" asked Searles. 

"Monuments to protection on all your streets, built under British tarifflaws. Every stone in costly St. Paul's Church, or cathedral, was laid bya duty of a shilling a ton on all coal coming into London. A shilling aton profit on coal, mined in America, would create for us fabulousfortunes. Selfishness, Mr. Searles, and not brotherly love, drove yourcountry to adopt free trade. "

"I do not agree with you, " said Mr. Searles. 

"'Tis true, and I can prove it, " answered Harris. By this time severalpatrons of the hotel stood about enjoying the tilt between tariff andfree trade. 

"Give us the proof then, " replied Searles. 

"To begin with, " said Harris, "I must reply to your first assertion, forI deem your first statement a false doctrine that 'everybody has a rightto trade in the world's cheapest markets. ' Nobody has a right to trade inthe world's cheapest markets, unless the necessary and just laws of hisown country, or the country he dwells in, permits it. Now as to the muchabused 'brotherhood argument' let me assert that, like England, anynation may adopt free trade, when it can command at least four importantthings: cheap labor, cheap capital, and cheap raw material. Now Mr. Searles, what is the fourth requisite?"

Searles did not answer. Clearly, he was interested in Harris's novel lineof argument for free trade. 

"Well, " said Harris, "England is inhabited by a virile people, whoevidently believe in God's command to 'Be fruitful, and multiply, andreplenish the earth, and subdue it. ' England, with her centuries ofrising civilization, her charm of landscape, and her command of theworld's affairs, offers at home magnificent attractions for her sonsand daughters, that make them loyal and law-abiding citizens. 

"It is true that annually many thousands seek fame and fortune in newcountries, but most of her citizens prefer poverty even, and, if need be, poverty in the gutters of her thriving cities, to a home of promise indistant lands. Hence, a rapidly increasing and dense population obtainsin all the British Isles, and labor becomes abundant and cheap, and oftena drug in the market. The repeal of the Corn Laws first became anecessity, then a fact, and the cheaper food made cheaper labor possible. Lynx-eyed capital, in the financial metropolis of the world, was quick todiscover surplus labor. 

"Already English inventors had made valuable inventions in machinery forthe manufacture of iron, cotton, woolen and other goods, which furthercheapened labor and the product of labor. 

"England with cheap capital and cheap labor, now had two of the fourthings needed to enable her to go forward to larger trade with the world. The third requisite, cheap and abundant raw material, she also secured. Material, not furnished from her own mines and soils, was brought inplentiful supply at nominal freights, or as ballast, by her vessels, whose sails are spread on every sea. 

"For three centuries Great Britain has vigorously and profitably pursuedSir Walter Raleigh's wise policy: 'Whosoever commands the sea, commandsthe trade, whosoever commands the trade, commands the riches of theworld, and consequently the world itself. '

"On the ceiling of the reading-room of the Liverpool Cotton Exchange ispainted the pregnant words:--'O Lord, how manifold are thy works, inwisdom hast thou made them all; the earth is full of thy riches. ' Underdivine inspiration, therefore, English capital seeks investmenteverywhere, and with cheap capital, cheap labor, and cheap raw materials, she finds herself able to compete successfully with the world. It ispossibly pardonable then that the British manufacturer and politicianshould seek earnestly the fourth requisite, viz. , a large market abroad. Hence the necessity of free trade. 

"To advocate publicly that other nations should adopt free trade, thatEngland might have an increased number of buyers, and consequentlygreater profit on her products, perhaps would not be judicious; so theprinciple of free trade for the world at large must be sugar-coated, tobe acceptable. Therefore your philanthropic and alert Richard Cobden, andJohn Bright, and your skilled writers, both talked and wrote much aboutthe 'brotherhood of mankind, ' hoping that the markets of the world mightwillingly open wide their doors to British traders. Of course, advocatesof free trade reason that the larger the number of buyers the larger theprices. 

"Mr. Searles, whenever America can command, as Great Britain doesto-day, cheap capital, cheap labor, and cheap raw materials, she toomay vociferously advocate free trade, and that other nations shall openwide their markets for the sale of American products. 

"Don't you see, Mr. Searles, that protection and free trade are equallyselfish and not philanthropic principles?"

"Mr. Harris you are right, " shouted several of the by-standers. 

But Hugh Searles did not reply. Possibly because it was late or, it maybe, he did not wish to further antagonize Colonel Harris with whom hehoped in the morning to drive a good bargain, and it may be that he hopedsome time in America to operate mills himself and make money under aprotective tariff. 

Both Searles and Harris retired for the night with an agreement to meetat nine o'clock in the morning and talk over business. Searles rose withthe sun, and after eggs, bacon, and tea, he walked to the Battery andback, before nine, the appointed hour for his first business conferencewith Reuben Harris. 

A good sleep had refreshed Colonel Harris and at breakfast he appeared ina joking mood. While he smoked, he glanced at the _Tribune_ and againexamined Searles's letter of introduction from Messrs. Guerney & Barring. At nine o'clock promptly, Mr. Searles came and Colonel Harris exhibitedto him a brief statement of the business of the Harrisville Iron & SteelCo. , extending over the last ten years, and showing the company's annualprofits. 

"A very good business your company did, and you made large profits, Colonel Harris, " said Searles. "And am I to understand that you have madein your statement a proper allowance for depreciation of values inbuildings and machinery, also for all losses and cost of insurance, andthat after these deductions are made the company's net profits annuallyamounted to an average of over one hundred thousand pounds, or a halfmillion dollars?"

"Yes, " replied the colonel. 

And Mr. Searles remarked, "Colonel Harris, if your arguments last eveningdid not fully convert me to the decided advantage which Americans gain byprotection, this statement of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Does. Ayear ago, some Americans in London called our attention to yourprofitable plant, hence our first letter of inquiries. Your repliesconfirmed the report and so we cabled for this initial meeting betweenus. 

"Messrs. Guerney & Barring have been most successful in financiering someof the largest business interests in the world, and thus they haveachieved a splendid reputation. It was their wish that I should securefor them your most favorable terms with an option of purchase of yourplant, the same to hold good for two months, or for a sufficient lengthof time to allow them to organize a syndicate, and float necessarydebentures to buy the stock, or a controlling interest in your company, and so continue the business. "

"Mr. Searles, we Americans are not anxious to sell, especially toforeigners, our best paying concerns. We ought to keep them under our owncontrol. However, of late, I have been inclined to indulge my family in alittle foreign travel, and myself in more leisure for books, and possiblyfor politics, believing that not enough of our good citizens enterCongress. I might, on certain conditions, name a price for all the stockof the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. "

"Please state the price and the conditions. "

"Well, let me think a moment. The capital stock of the company is not nowas large as it should be. 

Total Capital Stock $2, 000, 000Par value of shares 100Present Value per Share, 300

"The entire property and good-will of the Company is worth at least$6, 000, 000, and my "fixed price, " as the English say, is $5, 000, 000. "

Mr. Searles looked puzzled, for he had hoped to get the stock for lessmoney. He hesitated, as if in deep study, but not long, for he believedthat, if the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. For ten successive years couldpay $500, 000 or an average annual dividend of 25% on its stock of$2, 000, 000, the plant re-organized could easily be marketed at a neatadvance, say for £1, 400, 000 or $7, 000, 000, in London, where even sound3% investments are eagerly sought; so Mr. Searles inquired again:"Colonel Harris, you omitted to state your conditions. " Harris answered, "I must have cash enough to guarantee the sale, and short time paymentsfor the balance. "

"Well, Colonel Harris, how would the following terms please you?

One-eighth cash $625, 000One-eighth 30 days 625, 000One-fourth 60 days 1, 250, 000One-fourth 90 days 1, 250, 000One-fourth, Preferred Shares, 6% dividends guaranteed 1, 250, 000 _________Total price named 5, 000, 000

"Colonel Harris, before you answer, please let me outline our Londonplan. Suppose I should take for Messrs. Guerney & Barring a contract, oroption of purchase on the property with payments as named, the purchaseto be conditioned upon a verification of the correctness of yourstatements. Our experts can examine and report soon on your accounts forten years back, and on buildings, machinery, stock on hand, land, etc. "

"Mr. Searles, please explain further your 'London plan' ofreorganization. "

"Colonel Harris, we would modify the old firm name, so as to read--'TheHarrisville Iron & Steel Co. , Limited, of London, England, ' andcapitalize it at £1, 400, 000, or $7, 000, 000. 

Par value of shares £20 or $100Number of shares 70, 000

"When our experts shall have verified your statements at Harrisville, then the option of purchase is to be signed by us and forwarded toLondon, where it will be signed by Messrs. Guerney & Barring, the firstpayment made, and the contract underwritten or guaranteed by theGuardian, Executor & Trust Association, Limited, of London, whose capitalis $5, 000, 000. The association will also underwrite the bonds andpreference shares. This will practically complete the purchase. "

"But what about the last one-fourth payment in preferred shares of$1, 250, 000?"

"Pardon me, Colonel Harris, that is just what I desire to explainfurther. The new company will issue debentures or bonds, running 30years, at 4%, for £800, 000 or $4, 000, 000; preference shares £400, 000 or$2, 000, 000; with dividends 6% guaranteed, and a preference indistribution of property, if company is dissolved. Ordinary shares£1, 200, 000 or $6, 000, 000. And our London prospects will show that theordinary shares can earn at least 5%. For the last one-fourth we wish youto take 12, 500 preferred shares, or $1, 250, 000. 

"London holders, of course, will elect all the officers, a managing boardof directors, with general office in London. For a time they will expectyou to advise in the management of the business at Harrisville. "

After some further explanations, Harris agreed to sign a contract oroption of purchase, drawn as specified, if after investigation, he shouldbecome satisfied with the responsibility of the London parties. OnTuesday morning, contracts in duplicates were presented for ColonelHarris's inspection. After twice carefully reading the contract, he gavehis approval and wrote Mr. Searles a letter of introduction to Mr. B. C. Wilson, his manager at Harrisville, requesting the latter to permit Mr. Searles and his experts to examine all property and accounts of theHarrisville Iron & Steel Co. For ten years back. 

It was also arranged that on Wednesday, at 12 o'clock noon, Mr. Searlesshould see the Harrises off to Europe, then Mr. Searles and his expertswere to go to Harrisville in Colonel Harris's private car. Later Mr. Searles and Colonel Harris were to meet in London, and then, ifeverything was mutually satisfactory, all parties were to affix theirsignatures to the agreement, and the cash payment was to be made at theLondon office of Guerney & Barring. 

Wednesday, Colonel Harris rose early as had been his habit fromchildhood. He was exacting in his family, and also as a manager of labor. Every morning at six o'clock all the family had to be at the breakfasttable. Colonel Harris always asked the blessing. Its merit was itsbrevity: sometimes he only said--"Dear Lord, make us grateful and goodto-day. Amen. " Thirty minutes later, summer and winter, his horses andcarriage stood at his door, and punctually at fifteen minutes of seveno'clock he would reach his great mills. His first duty was to walkthrough his works, as his skilled laborers with dinner pails entered thebroad gates and began the day's work. Devotion like this usually bringssuccess. 

After breakfast, Mrs. Harris and her daughters walked down Fifth Avenueto make a few purchases. Alfonso and Leo hurried off to get their baggageto the "Majestic, " while Jean busied himself in seeing that a transferwas made to the steamer of all the trunks, valises, etc. , left at thedepot and hotel. 

At ten o'clock Jean called at the dock to learn if the half-dozen steamerchairs and as many warm blankets had arrived, and he found everything inreadiness. It was 10:30 o'clock when the Waldorf bill was paid, and thegood-bye given. The young people were jubilant, as the long hoped-forpleasure trip to Europe was about to be realized. 

The carriages for the steamer could not go fast enough to satisfy theold, or the young people. Several schoolmates, artists, business andsociety friends met them on the dock. Many fashionable people had alreadyarrived to say "_Bon Voyage_" to the Harrises and to Leo. Hundreds ofothers had come to see their own friends off. It was all excitement amongthe passengers, and carriages kept coming and going. 

Not so with the English officers and sailors of the "Majestic. " They werecalm and ready for the homeward passage. 

The last mail bag had been put aboard, and the receipts to the governmenthurriedly signed. Mr. Searles had said good-bye, and last of all toColonel Harris. As the colonel went up the gangway, the bell rang and thecries "All aboard" were given. For once, Colonel Harris felt a sense ofgreat relief to thus cut loose from his business, and take his first longvacation, in twenty-five years from hard work. 

"Now, I shall have a good time, and a much needed rest, " he said. Butjust as he stepped into the steamer's dining-saloon, Mr. Searles, who hadhastily followed, touched him on the shoulder and said. "Here, ColonelHarris, is a telegram for you. "

Harris quickly tore it open. It was from Wilson, his manager, and it readas follows:--

 Harrisville, June 9, 18--. _Colonel Reuben Harris, Steamer Majestic, New York_. 

 Our four thousand men struck this morning for higher wages. What shall we do?

 B. C. Wilson. 

Harris was almost paralyzed. His wife and daughters ran to him. Thesteamer's big whistle was sounding. All was now confusion. There was onlya moment to decide, but Harris proved equal to the situation. He steppedto the purser, surrendered his passage ticket, kissed his wife and twodaughters, saying to his son, "Alfonso, take charge of the party as I goback to Harrisville. "

Gertrude, insisting, accompanied her father, and remained ashore. On thedock stood Colonel Harris, Gertrude, and Mr. Searles, all three wavingtheir white handkerchiefs to Mrs. Harris, Lucille, Alfonso, and Leo. Whata bad send-off!

 The best laid schemes o' mice an' men, Gang aft a-gley, And leave us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy. 

The Harrises on the steamer, and the Harrises on the pier had heavyhearts, especially Colonel Harris and Gertrude so suddenly disappointed. It was soon agreed that the three should start that evening forHarrisville. 

CHAPTER IV

ABOARD THE S. S. MAJESTIC

Mrs. Harris was naturally a brave woman, but the telegram, and the suddenseparation perhaps forever from her husband and Gertrude, unnerved her. She sank back into an easy chair on the steamer, murmuring, "Why thisterrible disappointment? Why did I not turn back with my husband? This isworse than death. Mr. Harris is in great trouble. Why did I not at oncesacrifice all and share his misfortunes? How noble in Gertrude to goashore with her father. It is just like the child, for she is never happyexcept when she forgets self, and does for others. "

Mrs. Harris sobbed as if her loved ones had been left in the tomb. Lucille tenderly held her mother's hand, and spoke comforting words:"Cheer up, mother, all will yet be well. Father can now take Mr. Searlesto Harrisville. "

"To see what, child--men misled and on a strike and the mills all closeddown! It means much trouble, and perhaps disaster for the Harrises. "

"Oh, no, mother, all will soon be well. Let us go on the deck. "

Alfonso led his mother, and Leo took Lucille up among the passengers. 

They were just in time to see the white cloud of fluttering handkerchiefson the pier. Leo said that he could distinguish with his field-glassColonel Harris and Gertrude, and tears again came into Mrs. Harris'seyes. 

European steamers always leave on time, waiting for neither prince norpeasant. A carriage with foaming horses drove in upon the pier as the tugpulled the steamer out upon the Hudson. Its single occupant was anEnglish government agent bearing a special message from the Britishembassador at Washington to Downing Street, London. 

"Now what's to be done?" the British agent sharply inquired. 

"Two pounds, sir, and we will put you and your luggage aboard, " shoutedan English sailor. 

"Agreed, " said the agent, and to the surprise of everybody on the pier, two robust sailors pulled as for their lives, and each won a sovereign, as they put the belated agent on board the "Majestic. "

This race for a passage caught the eye of Mrs. Harris. At first shethought that the little boat might contain her husband, but as theEnglish agent came up the ship's ladder, she grasped Alfonso's arm, andsaid, "Here, my son, take my hand and help me quickly to the boat; I willgo back to Mr. Harris. "

"No! No!" said Alfonso, "Look, mother, the little boat is alreadyreturning to the dock. " Later the purser brought to Mrs. Harris anenvelope containing the steamer tickets and a purse of gold, which thecolonel thoughtfully had sent by the English agent. 

Mrs. Harris re-examined the envelope, and found the colonel's personalcard which contained on the back a few words, hastily scribbled: "Cheerup everybody; glad four of our party are on board. Enjoy yourselves. Gertrude sends love. Later we will join you in London perhaps. God blessyou all. R. H. "

Sunshine soon came back to Mrs. Harris's face, and she began to noticethe people about her, and to realize that she was actually on shipboard. Foreign travel had been the dream of her life; and she felt comforted tohave Alfonso and Lucille beside her. 

"Mrs. Harris, " said Leo, "see the stately blocks that outline Broadway, the Western Union Telegraph Building, the Equitable Building, the graniteoffices of the Standard Oil Company, the Post Office, and the imposingProduce Exchange with its projecting galley-prows. Above its long seriesof beautiful arches of terra cotta rise a tall campanile and liberty polefrom which floats the stars and stripes. "

Leo's eyes kindled in brilliancy, and his voice quickened withpatriotism, as he made reference to his adopted flag. "Lucille, beholdour glorious flag that floats over America's greatest financial andcommercial city. I love the stars and stripes quite as much as Italy'sflag. 

"Annually over thirty thousand vessels arrive and depart from thisharbor. New York is America's great gateway for immigrants. In a singleyear nearly a half million land at Castle Garden. Sections of New Yorkare known as Germany, Italy, China, Africa, and Judea. The Hebrews alonein the city number upwards of one hundred thousand, and have nearly fiftysynagogues and as many millionaires. The trees, lawns, and promenadesalong the sea-wall, form the Battery Park. The settees are crowded withpeople enjoying the magnificent marine views before them. "

Alfonso pointed to the Suspension or Brooklyn Bridge beneath whichvessels were sailing on the East River. Its enormous cables looked likesmall ropes sustaining a vast traffic of cars, vehicles, and pedestrians. 

To the right of the steamer's track on Bedloe's Island stands Bartholdi's"Liberty, Enlightening the World, " the largest bronze statue on theglobe. From a small guide book of New York, Lucille read aloud that theBartholdi statue and its pedestal cost one million dollars; that thestatue was presented by the French people to the people of the UnitedStates. The head of Liberty is higher than the tall steeple of TrinityChurch, which is 300 feet high, or twice that of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven ancient wonders. 

"Look, " said Lucille, "at the uplifted right hand holding an electrictorch. How magnificently the statue stands facing the Narrows, theentrance from Europe, and how cordial the welcome to America whichLiberty extends. "

"Yes, " said Leo, "if you wish to see Bartholdi's noble mother, observethe face of the statue. Bartholdi owed much to his mother's constantencouragement. "

"How true it is, " said Mrs. Harris, "that most great men have hadsplendid mothers. "

Many on the deck thought of loved ones at home, of their country, andwondered if they would return again to America. This was true of manyaboard who were now starting on their first ocean voyage, and theirthoughts no doubt were akin to those that filled the minds of Columbusand his crew when they left Palos. 

Craft of every kind kept clear of the giant "Majestic" as she plowed downthe Narrows. Historic but worthless old forts are on either side, and fardown into the lower bay the pilot guides the wonderful steamer. SandyHook lighthouse, the low shores, and purple mountains of New Jersey areleft behind, as the "Majestic" is set on her course at full speed. 

The gong for the one o'clock lunch was sounded, and Alfonso, glad of thechange, as his mother seemed unhappy, led the way below. Colonel Harris, when he bought the tickets, had arranged that his family should sit atthe captain's table. As Alfonso entered the saloon, the steward conductedhim and his friends to their seats. The captain's seat was unoccupied ashe was busy on deck. The grand dining-room of the "Majestic" is amidshipson the main deck. At the three long tables and sixteen short side tables, three hundred persons can be accommodated. 

The sea was smooth, so every chair was taken. The scene was an animatingone and interesting to study. A single voyage will not suffice to revealthe heart histories and ambitions of three hundred cosmopolitanpassengers. Everybody was talking at the same time; all had much to sayabout the experiences in reaching and boarding the steamer. Everybody waslooking at everybody, and each wondered who the others might be. 

So many new faces which are to be studies for the voyage, arrested theattention of Mrs. Harris. Her appetite was not good, so she ate little, but closely watched the exhilarating scenes about her. Many wives hadtheir husbands by their sides, and this pained her, but she resolved tokeep brave and to make the most of her opportunities. Lucille and theyoung men were so interested in the pretty faces all about them, thatthey had little time for an English luncheon, and most of their eatingwas a make-believe. 

Amidship the movement of the boat is reduced to a minimum, and infair weather it is difficult to realize that you are out upon theocean. Each passenger at the table is furnished with a revolving chair. Choice flowers, the gifts of loving friends left behind, were on everytable, and their fragrance converted the dining-saloon into a largeconservatory. The Corinthian columns were fluted and embossed, the wallsand ceiling were in tints of ivory and gold; the artistic panels aboundedin groups of Tritons and nymphs; the ports were fitted with stained glassshutters, emblazoned with the arms of cities and states in Europe andAmerica. Behind the glass were electric lights, so that the designs werevisible both night and day. 

Surmounting this richly appointed saloon was a dome of artistic creation, its stained glass of soft tints, which sparkled in the warm sunlight andshed a kaleidoscope of color and design over the merry company ofpassengers. Mirrors and the gentle rolling of the steamer multipliedand enlarged the gorgeous colorings and perplexing designs. 

In the midst of this new life aboard ship, so novel and so beautiful, Mrs. Harris's heart would have been happy had her over-worked husband andGertrude sat beside her at the table. Very little of this life is enjoyedwithout the unwelcomed flies that spoil the precious ointment. 

After the lunch Alfonso and his friends had time to examine a littlefurther the great steamer that was to float them to the Old World. Whenhis party hurriedly entered the dining-saloon, the grand staircase wasentirely overlooked. How wide and roomy it was, and how beautifullycarved and finished, especially the balustrade and newel posts, the wholebeing built of selected white oak, which mellows with age, and willassume a richer hue like the wainscoting in the famous old English abbeysand manor houses. 

Again the Harris party was on deck, final words hastily written were inthe steamer's mail bag, and a sailor stood ready to pass it over theship's side to the pilot's little boat, waiting for orders to cut loosefrom the "Majestic. "

The engines slacked their speed, the pilot bade the officers good-bye, and accompanied the mail bag to his trusted schooner. No. 66 was paintedin black full length on the pilot's big white sail. All the passengersteamers which enter or leave New York must take these brave and alertpilots as guides in and out the ever-changing harbor channels. 

The gong in the engine-rooms again signaled "full speed" and the live, escaping steam was turned through the triple-expansion engines, andthe "Majestic" gathered her full strength for a powerful effort, arecord-breaking passage to Queenstown. 

The life on board the transatlantic ferry is decidedly English, and Mrs. Harris closely studied the courtesies and requirements. She soon came tolike the ship's discipline and matter-of-fact customs. The young people, some newly married, and some new acquaintances like Leo and Lucille, hadmoved their steamer chairs on the deck, that they might watch the returnof the pilot's boat. 

Loving letters were read, the leaves of latest magazines were cut, andmany words were exchanged before the big "66" disappeared entirely withthe sun that set in gold and purple over the low New England shores. 

Quite apart from the young people sat Mrs. Harris and Alfonso. Theytalked earnestly about the ill-timed strike of the millmen at home. "Whydid the men strike at the very time when father wanted his mills to glowwith activity?" queried Mrs. Harris. 

"Oh, mother, " said Alfonso, "that is part of labor's stock in trade. Somelabor organizations argue that the 'end justifies the means. ' Our menwere probably kept advised of father's plans, and strikes often are timedso as to put capital at the greatest disadvantage, and force, ifpossible, a speedy surrender to labor's demands. 'Like begets like, 'mother, so the college professor told us when he lectured on Darwin. Itwas Darwin, I think, who emphasized this fundamental principle in nature. 

"See, mother, how this labor agitation works. Labor organizationsmultiply and become aggressive, and so capital organizes in self-defense. One day our professor told the class that he much preferred citizenshipin a government controlled by intelligent capital, to the insecurity anduncertainty of ignorant labor in power. The professor inclined to thinkthat the British form of government rested on a more lasting basis thanthat of republics. 

"Usually the more of values a person possesses, the more anxious he isfor stable government. Labor has little capital, and so often becomesventuresome, and is willing to stake all on the throw of a die. But laborin the presence of open hungry mouths can ill afford to take suchchances. Labor with its little or no surplus should act reasonably, andon the side of conservatism, or wives and little ones suffer. "

Mrs. Harris listened to her son's comments on capital and labor, but theindependence of her race asserted itself and she said with emphasis, "Alfonso, I hope Mr. Harris will insist on his rights at Harrisville. "

"Very likely he will, mother, as he is that kind of a man, and the NewEngland independence that is born in him is sure to assert itself. "

For a few moments neither mother nor son spoke. Suddenly both wereawakened from their reveries by the call for dinner. The waters werestill smooth, and the ocean breezes had sharpened appetites, so the grandstaircase was crowded with a happy throng, most of whom were eager fortheir first dinner aboard ship. The Harrises were delighted to findCaptain Morgan already at the table. 

Long ago Captain Morgan had learned that wealth is power. His own shiphad cost a million or more, and England's millions enabled his governmentto control the globe. Not only was he keenly alive to the fact thatcapital and brains guided most human events, but naturally he possessedthe instincts of a gentleman, and besides he was a true Briton. Hisancestors for generations had followed the sea for a livelihood and fame. Some had served conspicuously in the navy, and others like himself hadspent long lives in the commercial marine. 

In Lucille's eyes Captain Morgan was an ideal hero of the sea. He wasover six feet in height, and robust of form, weighing not less than 250pounds. His face was round and bronzed by the exposure of over threehundred ocean passages. His closely cropped beard and hair were irongray, and his mild blue eyes and shapely hands told of inbred qualities. That he was possessed of rare traits of character, it was easy todiscover. Loyalty to the great trusts confided to him, was noticeable inhis every movement. "Safety of ship, passengers, and cargo, " were wordsoften repeated, whether the skies above him were blue or black. 

Captain Morgan addressing Mrs. Harris said, "We shall miss very much yourhusband's presence aboard ship. Nowadays managers of great enterprisesashore, involving the use of large amounts of capital, encounter quite asmany stormy seas as we of the Atlantic. "

"Yes, " replied Mrs. Harris, "and the causes of financial disturbances arefully as difficult to divine or control. "

"It was fortunate, however, Mrs. Harris, " said the captain, "thatword reached the steamer in time to intercept the Colonel so that hecould return at once and assume command of his business. Aboard ourship, you must all dismiss every anxiety as to matters at home or on the"Majestic. " With your permission, Colonel Harris's family shall be minefor the passage. Please command my services at all times. "

"Thank you, " said Alfonso, and the captain's cordial words, likesunshine, dispelled the clouds. 

"Captain, " inquired Leo, "do you think we shall have a pleasant voyage?"

"Yes, I hope so, for the sake of those aboard who are making this theirfirst voyage, otherwise we may not have the pleasure of much of theircompany. "

"Captain Morgan, then you really promise a smooth passage?" said Lucille. 

"Oh no, Miss Harris, we never promise in advance good weather on theocean. Smooth water for us old sailors is irksome indeed, yet I alwaysconsider it very fortunate for our passengers, if Old Probabilities grantus a day or two of fair skies as we leave and enter port. With gentlebreezes the passengers gradually get possession of their 'sea legs' assailors term it, and later brisk breezes are welcomed. "

"Captain, have you a panacea for seasickness?" inquired Mrs. Harris. 

"Oh, yes, " he replied, "take as vigorous exercise on the ship as is takenashore, eat wisely, observe economy of nerve-force, and be resolved tokeep on good terms with Old Neptune. Don't fight the steamer's movementsor eccentricities, but yield gracefully to all the boat's motions. In aword, forget entirely that you are aboard ship, and the victory isyours. "

"This is Wednesday, Captain, and do you really think you will land us inthe Mersey by Monday evening?" Lucille enquired earnestly. 

"Monday or Tuesday if all goes well, " the captain answered. CaptainMorgan drank his coffee, excused himself, and returned to his duty on thebridge. 

"What a gallant old sea-dog the captain is, " said Mrs. Harris. "We shallfeel perfectly safe in his keeping. How cheery he is away from home. "

"How do you know he has a home, mother?"

"Perhaps not, my dear, for he seems really married to his ship. "

The Harrises and Leo joined the passengers who had now left the diningsaloon. The light winds had freshened and the skies were overcast andgave promise of showers, if not of a storm. After walking a few timesaround the promenade deck, most of the passengers went below, some to thelibrary, some to the smoking room, and some to their staterooms, perhapsthinking discretion the better part of valor. The steamer's chairs weretaken from the deck and only a few persons remained outside. Some of themwere clad in warm ulsters. They walked the usual half-hour. Most of thesepromenaders were men of business who were required to make frequent oceanpassages. They were as familiar with moistened decks, cloudy skies, andheavy seas as the land-lubbers are with stone pavements and hotelcorridors. 

CHAPTER V

DISCOMFITURES AT SEA

The green and red lights on the starboard and port sides and the whitelight on the foremast now burned brightly. The boatswain's shrill whistlefurled the sails snugly to every spar, leaving the sailors little time orspirit for their usual song, as barometer-like they too sensed theapproaching storm. The ship's watch forward was increased as the windgrew strong, and the weather ahead had become thick and hazy. 

The captain quickly left the table when the steward placed in his handa bit of writing from the first officer, which read, "The barometer isfalling rapidly. " Captain Morgan and an officer paced the bridge witheyes alert. Heavy clouds of smoke from the triple stacks revealed thata hundred glowing furnaces were being fed with fuel, assistant engineerswere busily inspecting, and oilers were active in lubricating theponderous engines that every emergency might be promptly met. 

Ports were closed and every precaution taken. The anxiety of officers andsailors and the increased agitation of the sea was soon noticed by theship's gay company. Before ten o'clock most of the passengers were gladof the good-night excuse for retiring. The smoking room, however, wascrowded with devotees to the weed. Old-timers were busy with cards, orforming pools on the first day's run from Sandy Hook, or speculating asto the time of arrival at Queenstown. 

The atmosphere of the room was as thick as the weather outside. It isno wonder that a club man of New York, making his first trip to Europe, inquired of his Philadelphia friend, "Why do Americans smoke socontinually?"

He answered, "It is easier to tell why the English drink tea and whyAmericans drink coffee. But to answer your question, I suppose themixture of races quickens the flow of blood and produces the intenseactivities we witness. Besides, the enlarged opportunities offered ina new and growing country present attractive prizes in the commercial, political, social, and religious world. To attain these the Anglo-Saxonblood rushes through arteries and veins like the heated blood in athoroughbred horse on the last quarter. After these homestretch effortsAmericans feel the need often of stimulants, or of a soporific, and thisthey try to find in a cigar. "

"Your views are wrong, I think. One would naturally infer that the use oftobacco shortens life. Let me relate to you an incident. 

"I was once in Sandusky, Ohio, and spent an evening at a lecture given byTrask, the great anti-tobacconist. In his discourse he had reached theclimax of his argument, proving as he thought that tobacco shortenedlife, when a well dressed man in the audience rose and said, 'Mr. Trask, will you pardon me if I say a few words?'

"'Oh, yes' said the lecturer, 'give us the facts only. '

"'Well, Mr. Trask, there is living to-day in Castalia, southwest of here, a man nearly a hundred years old and he has been a constant user oftobacco since early childhood. '

"For a moment Mr. Trask stood nonplussed. To gain time for thoughthe fell back upon the Socratic method, and began asking questions. 'Stranger, won't you stand up again so that the audience can see you?Thank you! Evidently you are an intelligent citizen and reliable witness. Did you say you knew the man?'

"'O yes, I have known him for over fifty years. '

"'Did you ever know of his favoring schools or churches by gifts orotherwise?'

"'No, ' said the stranger. 

"'There, ' said Trask to the audience, 'this man's testimony onlystrengthens what I have been attempting to prove here this evening, that tobacco shortens life. This Castalia centenarian is dead to all thedemands of society and humanity, and his corpse should have been buriedhalf a century ago. ' So the laugh was on the voluntary witness. "

"Hold on, my friend, your Castalia centenarian proves just what I said atthe outset, that the use of tobacco prolongs life, but I am half inclinedmyself to feel that the less tobacco active Americans use, the better. "Then throwing his cigar away, he said good-night and left the smokingroom. 

Others stacked their cards, smoked cigarettes, and then sought theirstaterooms, and finally the ship's bell rang out the last patron andannounced the midnight hour; the steward was left alone. He had beenunusually busy all the evening furnishing ale, porter, and beer, a fewonly taking wine. The steward was glad to complete his report of salesfor the first day out, and turn off the lights and seek his berth forthe night. 

The "Majestic" shot past Cape Cod and was plowing her way towards thebanks of Newfoundland. The strong winds were westerly and fast increasingto a moderate gale. The north star was hidden and now failed to confirmthe accuracy of the ship's compasses. 

The first and fourth officers were pacing the bridge. The latter wasglad that the engines were working at full speed, as every stroke ofthe pistons carried him nearer his pretty cottage in the suburbs ofLiverpool. Captain Morgan had dropped asleep on the lounge in his cozyroom just back of the wheel. Most of the passengers and crew off dutyslept soundly, though some were dreaming of wife and children in far awayhomes, and others of palaces, parks, and castles in foreign countries. 

It was difficult for Mrs. Harris to get much rest as the waves dashingagainst the ship often awakened her, and her thoughts would race with theCincinnati Express which was swiftly bearing her husband and Gertrudeback to Harrisville and perhaps to trouble and poverty. While Mrs. Harrisknew that her husband was wealthy, she was constantly troubled with fearslest she and her family should sometime come to want. Her own father hadacquired a fortune in Ireland, but changes in the British tariff laws hadrendered him penniless, and poverty had driven her mother with sevenother children to America. 

A rich uncle in Boston enabled her to get a fair education, and the earlyyears of her married life had been full of earnest effort, of economy andheroic struggle, that her husband and family might gain a footing in theworld. The comforts of her early childhood in Ireland had given her akeen relish for luxury. The pain inflicted by poverty that followed wasseverely felt, and now, the pleasures of wealth again were all the moreenjoyed. 

Mrs. Harris was not a church member, but woman-like she found her lipssaying, "God bless the colonel and my precious children. " Then puttingher hand over upon Lucille, and satisfied that she was there by her sideand asleep, she too became drowsy and finally unconscious. Alfonso andLeo occupied the adjoining stateroom, but both were in dreamland;Alfonso in the art galleries of Holland and Leo in sunny Italy. 

Before morning the storm center was moving rapidly down the St. LawrenceValley, and off the east coast of Maine. Long lines of white-capped waveswere dashing after each other like swift platoons in a cavalry charge. The "Majestic, " conscious of an enemy on her flank, sought earnestly tooutstrip the winds of Æolus. When Captain Morgan reached the bridge, thesea and sky were most threatening. The first officer said, "Captain, I have never seen the mercury go down so rapidly. We are in for a nastytime of it, I fear. "

Early the sailors were scrubbing the ship while the spray helped to washthe decks, and they tightened the fastenings of the life-boats. Thefiremen too were busy dropping cinders astern. Fires in the cook'sgalley were lighted, and the steerage passengers were aroused forbreakfast, but few responded. 

Mrs. Harris often tried to dress, but every time she fell back into herberth, saying, "Stewardess, I shall surely die. Isn't the ship goingdown?"

"No, no, madam, " the stewardess replied, "I will return with beef tea, and you will soon feel better. "

Lucille was helped to put on a dark wrapper; and after repeated effortsat a hasty toilet, she took the stewardess's arm and reached an easychair in the library. Alfonso and Leo, who were both members of a yachtclub in New York, came to the library from a short walk on the deck. Itrequired much urging with Lucille before she would attempt an entranceinto the dining-room. Several men and a few ladies were present. 

"Good morning, Miss Harris, how brave you are, " were words spoken soencouragingly by Captain Morgan that Lucille's face brightened and sheresponded as best she could. 

"Thank you, captain, I believe I should much prefer to face a storm ofbullets on the land than a storm at sea; you courageous sailors reallydeserve all the gold medals. "

Leo, who was fond of the ocean, said to Alfonso, "Why can't we all besailors? What say you to this? Let us test who of our party shall losethe fewest meals from New York to Queenstown. You and your mother orLucille and I?"

"Agreed, " responded Alfonso, thinking it would help to keep the ladies ingood spirits. 

"But what shall count for a meal?" inquired Alfonso. 

"Not less than ten minutes at the table, and at dinner, soup at least. "Lucille thought Leo's idea a capital one. It was agreed that the contestshould commence with the next lunch, and that Alfonso and Leo should actas captains for the two sides. 

By this time Lucille had eaten a little toast and had sipped part of herchocolate. A tenderloin steak and sweet omelet with French fried potatoeswere being served, when suddenly the color left her face. Another lurchof the steamer sent a glass of ice water up her loose sleeve, and, utterly discomfited, she begged to be excused and rushed from the table. 

"Oh dear, mother, how terribly I feel; let me lie down. Oh dear! I wishI were home with father and Gertrude. "

"If the colonel were only here to help, " murmured Mrs. Harris. "Stewardess, where are you? Why don't you hurry when I ring? Go for thedoctor at once. " It was now blowing a gale and the steamer was rollingbadly. 

It was a long half-hour before the doctor entered the stateroom of Mrs. Harris. Dr. Argyle was perfect in physical development and a model ofgentlemanly qualities. His education had been received in London andVienna, and he had joined the service of the "Majestic" that he mightenlarge his experiences as practitioner and man of the world. He hadcorrectly divined that here he was sure to touch intimately the restlessand wandering aristocracy of the globe. 

While Dr. Argyle was ostensibly the ship's doctor, he was keenly alertfor an opportunity that would help him on to fame and fortune. Of thetwo he preferred the latter, as he believed that humanity is just aslazy as it dares to be. Therefore stateroom No. ---- was entered bothprofessionally and inquisitively. The doctor was half glad that theHarrises were ill, as he had seen the family at Captain Morgan's tableand desired to meet them. Captain Morgan had incidentally mentioned tothe doctor the great wealth of the Harris family, and this also hadwhetted his curiosity. Before him lay mother and daughter, helpless, bothin utter misery and the picture of despair. 

"Beg pardon, ladies, " said the doctor as he entered, "you sent for meI believe?"

"Yes, yes, " replied Mrs. Harris, "we thought you had forgotten us, as thehalf-hour's delay seemed a full week. My daughter, Lucille, and I aresuffering terribly. How awful the storm! Last night, doctor, I thoughtI should die before morning, and now I greatly fear that the ship willgo down. "

"Do not fear, ladies, " the doctor replied, "the wind is only brisk; mostpeople suffer a little on the ocean, especially on the first voyage. "

"What is the cause of this terrible seasickness, doctor, and what can youdo for us?"

"Frankly, Mrs. Harris, no two physicians agree as to the cause. Usuallypeople suffer most from seasickness who come aboard weary from over-workor nervous exhaustion. Most people waste vital forces by too much talkingor by over-exertion. Americans, especially, overcheck their deposits ofvitality, and as bankrupts they struggle to transact daily duties. Wisemanagement of nerve forces would enable them to accomplish more and enjoylife better. "

"I am a bankrupt then, " said Mrs. Harris, "but how about my daughterLucille?"

"Your child, I fear, is the daughter of bankrupts and doubtless inheritstheir qualities. "

"But, doctor, can't you do something now for us?"

"Oh yes, madam, but first let me feel your pulse, please. "

"Ninety-eight, " he said to himself, but he added to Mrs. Harris, "youneed the very rest this voyage affords and you must not worry the leastabout the storm or affairs at home. Our vessel is built of steel, andCaptain Morgan always outrides the storms. Ladies, I want you to takethis preparation of my own. It is a special remedy for seasickness, theresult of the study and experience of the medical force of the White StarLine. "

The faces of mother and daughter brightened. They had faith. This wasnoticed by Dr. Argyle. Faith was the restorative principle upon which theyoung doctor depended, and without it his medicine was worthless. TheWhite Star panacea prescribed was harmless, as his powders merelyinclined the patient to sleep and recovery followed, so faith or natureworked the cure. Soon after the door closed behind the doctor, Lucillewas asleep, and Mrs. Harris passed into dreamland. 

The winds veered into the southwest, and, reinforced, were controlled bya violent hurricane that had rushed up the Atlantic coast from the WestIndies. The novice aboard was elated, for he thought that the fiercer thewind blew behind the vessel, the faster the steamer would be drivenforward. How little some of us really know! The cyclone at sea is arotary storm, or hurricane, of extended circuit. Black clouds drive downupon the sea and ship with a tiger's fierceness as if to crush all lifein their pathway. 

Officers and crew, in waterproof garments, become as restless as bunchedcattle in a prairie blizzard. All eyes now roam from prow to stern, fromdeck to top mast. The lightning's blue flame plays with the steel masts, and overhead thunders drown the noise of engines and propellers. Thickblack smoke and red-hot cinders shoot forth from the three black-throatedsmoke-stacks. 

The huge steamer, no longer moving with the ease of the leviathan, seemsa tiny craft and almost helpless in the chopped seas that give to theship a complex motion so difficult, even for old sailors, to anticipate. Tidal wave follows tidal wave in rapid succession. Both trough and crestare whipped into whitecaps like tents afield, till sea and storm seemleagued to deluge the world again. 

Captain Morgan, lashed to the bridge, has full confidence in himself, hisdoubled watch ahead, his compasses, and the throbbing engines below. Dangers have now aroused the man and his courage grows apace. Momentssupreme come to every captain at sea, the same as to captains who wagewars on the land. 

The decks are drenched, great waves pound the forward deck and life-boatsare broken from their moorings. Battened hatches imprison below aregiment of souls, some suffering the torments of stomachs in openrebellion, others of heads swollen, while others lose entire controlof an army of nerves that center near and drive mad the brain. 

To the uninitiated, words are powerless to reveal the torments of theimprisoned in a modern steel inquisition, rocking and pitching at themercy of mighty torrents in a mid-ocean cyclone. Mephistopheles, seekingseverest punishment for the damned, displayed tenderness in not adoptingthe super-heated and sooted pits where stokers in storms at sea areforced to labor and suffer. 

All that terrible second day and night at sea, the Harrises and otherstossed back and forth in their unstable berths, some suffering withchills and others with burning heat. Some, Mrs. Harris and daughter amongthem, lay for hours more dead than alive, their wills and muscles utterlypowerless to reach needed and much coveted blankets. 

The dining saloon was deserted except by a few old sea-travelers. Beforedinner, Leo ventured above and for a moment put his head outside. Thegale blowing a hundred miles an hour hit him with the force of a club. When he went below to see Alfonso, his face was pale, and his voicetrembled as he said, "Harris, before morning we shall all sink to thebottom of the Atlantic with the 'Majestic' for our tomb. " Half undressed, Leo dropped again into his berth where he spent a miserable night. 

CHAPTER VI

HALF-AWAKE, HALF-ASLEEP

Few persons find life enjoyable in a great storm at sea, for thediscomfitures of mind and body are many. The ship's officers and crew arealways concerned about the welfare of the passengers and the safetyof steamer and cargo. 

True, Leo, with the instincts of an artist, had stood for hours on thedeck, partially sheltered by a smoke-stack, to study wave motions and theever-changing effects of the ocean. Never before had he known itssublimity. When the sea was wildest and the deck was wave-swept, he inhis safe retreat made sketches of waves and their combinations which hehoped sometime to reproduce on canvas. At other times, conscious of stormdangers in mid-ocean, Leo's conscience troubled him. For a year he hadbeen much in love with a pretty Italian girl, daughter of an official, long in the service of the Italian government at the port of New York. 

Rosie Ricci was fifteen years old when she first met Leo. Dressed inwhite, she entered an exhibition of water colors on W. 10th street withher mother one May morning, as Leo had finished hanging a delicate marineview sketched down the Narrows. 

Glances only between Leo and Rosie were exchanged, but each formed theresolution sometime, if possible, to know the other. Rosie's father haddied when she was only fourteen years old, and existence for Mrs. Ricciand her little family had been a struggle. For the last year, a happychange had come in their condition. A letter had been received from arich senator by Mrs. Ricci, which was couched in the tenderest language. The senator explained in his letter that at a musicale, given on FifthAvenue, he had heard a Rosie Ricci sing a simple song that revivedmemories of an early day. This fact, coupled with Rosie's charmingsimplicity and vivacity of manner, fixed her name in his mind; later hewas reading the _New York Tribune_, and the name Ricci arrested hisattention. 

The item mentioned the death of Raphael Ricci, ex-consul, and thesenator's object in writing was to inquire further as to the facts. Didhe leave a competency? If not, would the family receive such assistanceas would enable the daughter, if Rosie Ricci was her daughter, to obtaina further musical education?

The senator's letter dropped from the mother's hands; she was overcomewith the good news. Rosie picked it up saying, "Mother dear, what is thematter? What terrible news does it contain?"

"Not bad news, child! possibly good news; a letter from a stranger whooffers aid in our distress, a letter from one holding a high position. I wonder what it all means? Has the senator been prompted by the spiritof your anxious father, or is there evil in the communication?"

"Tell me, mother, tell me all about it!" But before the mother couldspeak, Rosie was reading the letter aloud. She threw up her hands indelight and flew into her mother's arms. "How good the Lord is to us!"Rosie exclaimed. She had been eager for a musical education and to winfame on the stage. 

In June, by appointment, Mrs. Ricci and daughter met the Senator at theFifth Avenue Hotel. It was arranged that Rosie should have the bestmusical education obtainable in Boston, and further that the senatorshould pay her expenses in Boston and New York, and that the mother'srent should be included in his liberality. At times, the motherquestioned the senator's motives, but he always seemed so kind andfatherly that she spurned the thought as coming from the Evil One. 

The senator as he left, put several bills in Mrs. Ricci's hand, saying, "You and Rosie will find need of them for clothes for the daughter andfor other expenses. "

Never was a girl happier than Rosie the morning she and her mother leftthe Grand Central Depot for New England. Rarely, if ever, did a girl workharder than Rosie at her studies. Her soul often had burned with ambitionfor fame and for money so that she could assist her mother. The way wasnow open and success was possible. At the sunset hour she often walkedwith a friend among the historic elms on Boston Common and in thebeautiful flower gardens. 

Often young men longed for her acquaintance, but they could never get theconsent of her pretty eyes. She was petite, her hair black, her eyes darkbrown, her lips ruby-red, and her nose and chin finely chiselled. She hada cameo-like face and complexion of olive tint that told of the land ofvines and figs in sunny Italy. Her step was elastic, her manner vivaciousand confiding. Her dress was always tidy and stylish. Usually she carrieda roll of music in one hand as she left the conservatory, and lovelyflowers in the other that had been expressed either by the senator orLeo. 

On the completion of her course in the conservatory, Leo had pressed hissuit so devotedly that Rosie consented to an engagement without hermother's knowledge. The ring of gold contained a single ruby, and Leo hadhad engraved on the inside of the ring, "Et teneo, et teneor. " When Rosiesaw the old Roman motto she said, "I hold, and am held. How appropriate, Leo! Your love for me, devotion to the beautiful, and our bright memoriesof artistic Italy shall bind us together forever. 

"But Leo, why do you put the ring on the third finger before marriage?"

Leo answered, "Because I have read somewhere that many centuries ago theEgyptians believed that the third finger was especially warmed by a smallartery that proceeded directly from the heart. The Egyptians alsobelieved that the third finger is the first that a new born babe is ableto move, and the last finger over which the dying lose control. "

"Nonsense, " replied Rosie, "once the wedding ring, studded with preciousstones, was worn on the forefinger; Christianity moved it to the thirdfinger. Its use was originated in this way: the priest first put it onthe thumb, saying 'In the name of the Father'; on the forefinger, adding, 'in the name of the Son;' on the second finger, repeating, 'in the nameof the Holy Ghost;' and on the third finger, ending with 'Amen, ' andthere it staid. "

Abelard and Heloise were not happier in their unselfish affection thanLeo and Rosie in their love. Colors on Leo's canvas now sought each otherin magic harmony. At single sittings in his studio Leo made Madonnafaces, and glowing landscapes, that evoked words of warm praise from hisfellow artists, who were blind to the secret of Leo's remarkable power. 

For a Christmas present Leo brought Rosie a picture of his own of Rosie'sbeautiful hand holding lilies of the valley; and while she thanked him insweetest words, he pinned at her throat a Florentine cameo once worn byhis mother. All these things, and more, came flashing into Leo's mind ashe struggled on the ship's deck to keep his footing in the storm. 

A week before the steamer left New York Leo and Rosie had quarreled. Leo's invitation to accompany the Harrises had come to him from Alfonsoonly three days before the "Majestic's" departure, and such was hismomentary ill-humor toward Rosie that he sailed from New York withouteven advising her of his new plan, or saying good-bye. Leo, alone on thesea, often severely rebuked himself that he could have been so unkind tothe woman to whom he had given his heart and his mother's favorite bit ofjewelry. 

A thousand times he wished he could ask Rosie's forgiveness, for it wasin a fit of anger that Rosie had snatched the ruby ring off her hand andthe cameo from her throat, and had thrown them into Leo's lap saying, "Take them, Leo, you will easily find another girl to share your familyname and your poverty as an artist while I have need of wealth. " Leo hadturned from Rosie's home without the power to reply, he was so taken bysurprise. 

Leo was never so happy as when Rosie was present in his studio toencourage him by word or song, but now all was changed. 

Sometimes Leo in his secret thoughts feared that Rosie's beauty andcharming manner would command riches, and sometimes he dared to thinkthat possibly his talent and fame might command a handsome dowry. Thenhis mind turned to Lucille. She was taller than Rosie, not so vivacious, but like Rosie enjoyed a happy time. He even ventured at times to saymentally of Lucille that "it is she or none on earth, " and then as herecalled the ring given to Rosie, the old love would assert itself and hewould shut his eyes, ashamed of an affection that was false hearted. Itwas fortunate for Leo that he was a good sailor, as it enabled him to domany thoughtful things for the Harrises, and thus show his appreciationof their great kindness to him. 

On the third day out from New York, the storm moderated somewhat and thepassengers at breakfast visibly increased in number, but before the lunchhour was over the fury of the gale returned. The steamer in her coursehad crossed the center of the cyclone where the force of the storm wasdiminished for a short time only. All that afternoon and night the galeincreased in force till it seemed as if volcanic powers under the seawere at work turning the ocean upside down. 

Pent up forces in the west were loosed, and Neptune, deity of the ocean, with his three-pronged trident stalked abroad. The bombardment of waveswas terrific, and the twin propellers raced so fiercely that speed wasreduced to a minimum. 

In the morning the terrible cyclone had moved to the north, smootherseas were reached by lunch time, and most of the tables were againfilled. Many of those who were making a first voyage also put in theirappearance, and they were subjected to much chaffing from the veteransof ocean travel. Captain Morgan and Doctor Argyle were the recipientsof many complimentary words for their skill. 

At dinner Leo and Alfonso mustered full forces, and each side scoredevery point, for both Mrs. Harris and Lucille entered the dining room, and everybody enjoyed the menu after a three days' fast. Captain Morganspoke of the storm as "the late unpleasantness, " and hoped his friendswould not desert him again. Mrs. Harris was silent, but Alfonso andLucille promised loyalty for the future, and Leo said, "Captain Morgan, I believe I haven't missed a meal. "

"Bravo, Colonna!" the captain replied, "you really seem to have inheritedthe sailing qualities of your great countryman Columbus, and I sincerelyhope that you may render the world equally valuable services. "

Lucille added, "I am sure he will, captain; during the gale, he renderedsignal services to suffering humanity. "

"To-morrow, " continued Captain Morgan, "is the 21st of June, when the dayand night will be of equal length, the sun rising and setting promptly atsix o'clock. "

"Why not, " said Lucille, "set our watches by the steamer's chronometer, and have the steward call us at 5:30 o'clock and all test the accuracy ofthe almanac?" Mrs. Harris and several others entered heartily into theplan. 

The pure sea-air was so fresh and restful that when three bells or 5:30o'clock in the morning was heard, the Harris party were easily awakenedand they hastily prepared to witness at sea the sunrise on June 21st. 

Leo and Alfonso were first on deck. Mrs. Harris, Lucille, and the Judge, an acquaintance made on the ship, soon joined them. Their watches agreedthat it was ten minutes to six o 'clock. The decks had been washed andput in order, engines were running at full speed, the eastern sky wasflushed with crimson and golden bands that shot out of the horizon, andfan-like in shape faded up in the zenith. With watches in hand, all eyeswere fixed on a pathway of intensely lighted sea and sky in the east. Suddenly, as the sailor rung out "four bells, " or 6 o'clock, Lucilleshouted, "There! See that drop of molten gold floating on the horizon. Captain Morgan was right as to time. See, judge, how the gold glows withheat and light as the globe turns to receive the sun's blessings!"

"Yes, " said the judge who now for the first time since the storm becamereally enthusiastic, "another page of the record book is turned, and thegood and bad deeds of humanity will be entered by the recording angel. The mighty sun, around which we revolve at fabulous speed is, in itsrelations to us mortals, the most important material fact in theuniverse. If I ever change my religion I shall become a sun-worshiper. The Turk in his prayers, five times a day, faces the sun. "

An early brisk walk on the deck sharpened appetites, and oursun-worshipers were among the first at breakfast. Gradually othersentered, and again the dining room was cheerful with sunny faces. Afterbreakfast the decks were astir with pretty women, children, and gentlemenlifting their hats. The promenade was as gay as on Fifth Avenue. DoctorArgyle gave his arm to Mrs. Harris, Lucille walked between Alfonso andLeo, and doctors of divinity and men of repute in other professions keptfaithful step. Actors and actresses moved as gracefully as before thefootlights. A famous actor carried on his shoulders a tiny girl who hadbits of sky for eyes, a fair face, and fleecy hair that floated in thesea breeze, making a pretty picture. 

Business men with fragrant cigars indulged in the latest story or joke. By degrees the promenade disappeared as passengers selected steamerchairs, library, or smoking room, and congenial souls formed interestingand picturesque groups. At the outset of the voyage you wonder at thelack of fine dress, and hastily judge the modest men and women about youto be somewhat commonplace, but after days at sea and many acquaintancesmade, you discover your mistake and learn that your companions arethoroughly cosmopolitan. In fair weather the decks are playgrounds wherechildren at games enliven the scene, and sailors' songs are heard. 

When the old clipper ship took from four to six weeks to cross theAtlantic, a weekly paper was printed. On some of the swift liners ofto-day on the fourth day out a paper is issued, when perhaps the steameris "rolling in the Roaring Forties. " The sheet is a four-page affair, about six inches wide and nine inches long. It gives a description of theship signed by the Captain; the daily runs of the ship follow, thedistance still to go is stated, and the probable time it will take tomake port; under "General Information" you learn about seasickness, whatyou have not already experienced, the necessity of exercise aboard ship, also much about the handling of luggage in Europe; some of the prose andpoetry is sure to be good, and is contributed by skilled writers amongthe passengers. A column of "Queries" and a few brief stories and jokesbrighten the sheet. The price is fifteen cents, and every copy of "TheOcean Breeze" is highly prized. On the whole, people at sea enjoy mostthe enforced rest, for they escape newspapers, telegrams, creditors, andthe tax-gatherer. 

At 11 o'clock on the deck, every pleasant day, a large, well-dressed man, attended by his valet, generously opened a barrel of fresh oysters forthe passengers. This benevolent gentleman proved to be a famous Saratogagambler. In this way he made many acquaintances and friends, and each dayhe increased his winnings at cards and in bets on the vessel's run, tillfinally, not he, but the guileless passengers paid for the oysters. 

Gambling was the business of the man who advertised by his oysters; withthe actor, who romped with the pretty child, gambling was a passion. Sointense was this passion with the actor that he would attempt to matchsilver dollars or gold sovereigns with everybody he met when ashore;between acts on the stage he would telegraph his bet to distant cities. Crossing parks or walking down Broadway his palm concealed a coin, readyfor the first possible chance. He would match his coat or his home oreven his bank account. On ship he matched sovereigns only. 

Occasionally the "Majestic" passed in sight of some other ship, or"tramp-steamer, " and by signal exchanged names and location. Rarely dothe great passenger steamers meet on the Atlantic, as the course outwardis quite to the north to avoid collisions. Half-awake, half-asleep, thedays on shipboard go by as in a dream, and you gladly welcome backrestored health. Perhaps a sweet or strong face wins your interestor heart, as the case may be, and life-long friendships are formed. Confidence thus bestowed often begets the same in others, and you arethankful for the ocean voyage. 

CHAPTER VII

LIFE AT SEA A KALEIDOSCOPE

In a shady retreat on the ship after lunch sat the Harrises, Leo, thejudge, and Dr. Argyle, the latter reading a French novel. Leo had justfinished a new novel entitled "A Broken Promise, " Alfonso had readthree hundred pages in one of Dickens's novels that tells so vividly howthe poor of London exist. 

Dr. Argyle said, "Judge, what do you think of novels anyway?"

The matter-of-fact judge gruffly replied, "I never read the modern novelbecause I don't care to waste my time. "

Whereupon Alfonso said, "Give me the novel of an idealist that has apurpose. Colonel Ingersol spoke the truth in a recent lecture when hesaid that a realist can be no more than an imitator or a copyist. Hisphilosophy makes the wax that receives and retains an image of an artist. Realism degrades and impoverishes. The real sustains the same relation toideal that a stone does to a statue, or that paint does to a painting. "

"No, " replied Leo, "a novel proper should be a love story spiced withthe beauties of nature and exciting adventures. A novel with a purpose, Alfonso, should advertise under another name for it is a cheat. It isoften written with a deliberate attempt to beguile a person into readinga story which the writer deliberately planned to be simply the medium ofconveying useful or useless information. Possibly a social panacea, orthe theme may include any subject from separating gold from the ocean, to proving the validity of the latest theory on electricity. "

"Leo, you go too far, " said Mrs. Harris, "the modern novel that appearsin press and magazine, and later in book form, entering all our homes, should teach high morality and contain only proper scenes and passages. "

"But, mother, " said Lucille, "you would thus debar many of the world'smasterpieces in literature. It seems to me that the morality of characterand scene has little to do with the artistic value of the book. Therealist must depict life as it is. 'Art, for art's sake, ' is whatcommends a novel to artistic minds. "

"The modern novel is too much like modern architecture, " said the judge, "a combination of classical and subsequent styles thrown together tosatisfy groups of individuals rather than to conform to well acceptedrules or ideas of art. Modern novels and modern architecture are sureto give way to nobler thoughts that shall practically harmonize theuseful and the beautiful. "

Dr. Argyle, having asked for opinions on the modern novel, obtained them. He was an earnest listener as he had wished more knowledge of the Harrisfamily, which would enable him the better to lay plans; he hoped to winLucille's favor. 

It was now a quarter to six o'clock and many passengers, including theHarris group, moved to the port side of the ship to observe if the sun, at the expiration of twelve hours, would again touch the water. Thistwenty-first day of the month had been one of Lowell's rare June days. It had been ushered in by beautiful cloud coloring. 

The ocean was now free from mist, the blue clouds overhead darkened thesea to the horizon, and it looked as if the sun would set behind clouds. Unexpectedly, however, the clouds near the water separated, and the sunagain appeared in all his glory, sending a weird light out over thewater, gilding the "Majestic, " flooding the faces of the passengers withan unnatural light, and bringing into strong relief a sailing crafthovering on the starboard horizon. 

"Perfectly beautiful, " exclaimed several ladies. "There, " said thepurser, as four bells rang out and the gong for dinner sounded, "the sunis kissing the waves. " Before any one could answer, the gorgeous sun wasslowly sinking into the blue waters of the Northern Atlantic. Passengersheld their watches and in three minutes the sun had said farewell. 

The dinner was much enjoyed. After an evening of charming moonlight, midnight found all, save those on duty, asleep in the "Majestic, " whichwas speeding rapidly towards the safe granite docks at Liverpool. 

Moonlight at sea is so bewitching, the wonder is that pleasure-seekersever consent to land except when denied the companionship of the silvergoddess of night. Whether she races with the clouds, silver tips thewaves, or with her borrowed light floods the world with fairy-likebeauty, it is only that her admirers may exchange sorrow for joy andconflict for peace. 

The sixth day out, the sun illumined a clear sky, and those that lovedthe sea were early on deck for exercise and fresh air. These early riserswere well repaid, as the steamer was passing through a great school ofporpoises that sometimes venture long distances from the British Islands. Alfonso ran to rap at Lucille's door and she hurried on deck to enjoy thesight. Hundreds of acres of the ocean were alive with porpoises or seahogs as sailors often call them. 

Porpoises average five feet in length and are the size of a small boyand quite as playful. These animals are smooth, and black or gray incolor, except the under side which is pure white. They are gregariousand very sociable in their habits. Porpoises race and play with eachother and dart out of the sea, performing almost as many antics as thecircus clown. They feed on mackerel and herring, devouring largequantities. Years ago the porpoise was a common and esteemed article offood in Great Britain and France, but now the skin and blubber only havea commercial value. The skins of a very large species are used forleather or boot-thongs. 

The early risers were standing on the prow of the steamer where thecutwater sent constantly into the air a nodding plume of white spray. Suddenly the watch shouted, "Whale ahead, sir!" Officers and sailorswere astir. Just ahead, and lying in the pathway of the steamer lay awhale, fifty feet in length, seemingly asleep, for he was motionless. Theofficer's first thought was that he would slack speed, but presence ofmind prompted him to order full speed, planning no doubt, if the whalewas obstinate, to cut him in halves. 

Lucille and others, fearful of consequences, turned and ran, but theleviathan suddenly dropped down out of sight, his broad tail splashingsalt water into the faces of the young people who were bold enough toawait events. With a sense of relief, Leo exclaimed, "Narrow escape, that!"

"Narrow escape for whom?" Alfonso inquired. 

"For both the steamer and the whale, " replied Lucille. 

On the way to breakfast, Lucille asked an officer if similar instancesfrequently happened. 

"Rarely, " he replied, but added, "very likely we may see other whales inthis vicinity. " Sure enough, after breakfast, children ran up and downthe deck shouting, "Whales! Whales!" and several were seen a mile or twonorth of the ship's course, where they sported and spouted water. 

About four o'clock, the temperature having fallen several degrees, thepassengers sighted to the northeast a huge iceberg in the shape of anarch, bearing down on the steamer's course, and had it been night, possibly freighted with all the horrors of a ship-wreck. As it was, Captain Morgan deemed it wise to lessen the speed as the ship approachedthe iceberg. 

"This is wonderful, Leo, " said Mrs. Harris; "can you tell us where andwhen icebergs are formed?"

"Oh yes, Mrs. Harris, icebergs that float down the Atlantic are born onthe west coast of Greenland. Up there great valleys are filled with snowand ice from hill-top to hill-top, reaching back up the valleys, in someinstances from thirty to forty miles. This valley-ice is called a 'Merde Glace, ' and has a motion down the valley, like any river, but ofthree feet more or less only per day. If time enough is allowed, vastquantities of this valley-ice move into the gulf or sea. When the seais disturbed by a storm the ice wall or precipice is broken off, andenormous masses, often a hundred times larger than a big building, falland float away with the report of the firing of a park of artillery, andthese floating mountains of ice are lighted in their lonely pathways bythe midnight sun. "

Before dinner, came the regular promenade which presented many contrasts. A pretty bride from the Blue Grass Region of Kentucky walked with heryoung husband whom she had first met at a New England seaside. She wasglad to aid in bridging the chasm between north and south. Her travelingdress of blue was appropriately trimmed with gray. 

The gorgeously dressed gambler walked on the deck alone. Then came twomodest nuns dressed in gray and white. Alfonso and his mother, the judgeand Lucille, and a group of little children followed. Dr. Argyle and aPhiladelphia heiress kept step. Everybody walked, talked, and laughed, and the passengers had little need of the ship's doctor now. If theweather is fair the decks are always enlivened as a steamer approachesland. The next day, by noon at latest, Ireland and Fastnet Rock wouldbe sighted, if the ship's reckoning had been correct. 

After dinner, Dr. Argyle was walking the deck with Lucille in thestar-light. He had told her much of his family, of his talented brotherin the Church, and of another in the army; he had even venturedto speak of Lucille's grace of manner, and she feared what might follow. The call of Mrs. Harris relieved Lucille of an unpleasant situation. 

Secretly, Lucille was pleased to escape from Dr. Argyle. Something in hismanner told her that he was not sincere; that he was a schemer, perhaps afortune-seeker, and she gladly rejoined her mother. 

Mrs. Harris and her children often wondered how matters were progressingat home. Alfonso had faith in his father's ability to cope with thestrike, but Mrs. Harris and Lucille were much worried. "Don't let ustrouble, " said Alfonso, "till we reach Queenstown, as there we shallsurely get a cablegram from father. "

Just then Leo joined the family, and Lucille taking his arm, the twowalked the deck, and later they found quiet seats in the moonlight. Themoon's welcome rays revealed fleece-like clouds overhead and changed thewaters astern into acres of diamonds. Gentle breezes fanned the cheeksof two troubled lovers who thus far had kept well their heart secrets. Lucille's warm and sensitive nature yearned for some confidant in whomshe could find consolation. Mrs. Harris never quite understood herdaughter. Lucille was noble, generous, and true in her affection. Herideal of marriage was that the busy shuttle of life must be of Divineguidance, and often she was at a loss to understand some of the deepmysteries that had clouded her own life. Of this world's blessings herlife had been full, except she could not reconcile some of her lateexperiences. Of this, of course, Leo knew nothing. He too had had a cupof bliss dashed suddenly to the ground. A moment of anger had destroyedhis plans for life. The moon's soft light changed Leo's purpose never tospeak to Lucille of his affection for Rosie Ricci, and he now franklytold her the whole story. 

At first Lucille did not wish to believe that Leo had ever been in love, as her own heart had turned to him in the silent hours of the night whenthe pain in her heart forbade sleep. 

Trembling she said, "Leo, you have given Rosie up forever then?"

"Oh no, Miss Harris, it was Rosie who said to me, 'Good-bye, Leo, forever. ' She accepted my attentions for a year. Alas! Rosie's love forthe rich man's gold I fear was more powerful than her love for me, a poorartist, and so she threw back the ruby ring and my mother's cameo, andcrushed my heart and hopes. In accepting the kind invitation of yourbrother to accompany your family on this trip, I hoped that the journeymight heal my suffering soul. "

"I am delighted, " said Lucille, her voice and hand still trembling alittle, "that your own vow was not broken. "

Leo's olive complexion was softened in the moon's rays, his face wassaddened by the recital of his deep affliction, and his dark eyes werelowered, as he looked out upon the troubled pathway of the steamer. Fora moment Lucille earnestly gazed at Leo who seemed to her to be handsomeand noble, but he appeared lost as in a dream. Every man is thought to benoble by the woman who loves him. Then she took both his hands in hers inpity and said, "Leo, be brave as your ancestors were brave. You will be asuccess in the world because you have remaining your intense love forart. "

"Yes, Lucille, and I think I shall marry art only. "

"Don't be rash, Leo, we frail human beings know little in advance as toheaven's plans. "

Few forces work truer in nature than the principle that like begets like. Leo confided in Lucille, and now Lucille confided in Leo; she slowly toldin low voice the story of her own great disappointment. 

"I too, once had an ideal lover. Our souls were one; the day of weddingeven had been fixed; orders for an expensive trousseau had been sent toParis; the details of the marriage had been arranged, a long journeyabroad planned, and the city for our future home was selected. Thesethings had become part of my dreams, and the joy of anticipation wasfilling my cup to the brim. 

"One evening, in the moonlight, such as now smiles upon us, I askedBernard if he would read a short note which I had just received, and tellme if its contents were true. Bernard removed the letter from theenvelope, looked at the signature, and reading turned pale. The note wasfrom a lady who asked if I was aware that he had offered himself toanother. 

"A second time I pressed the question to know if the contents were true, and he answered, 'Yes', and added that it was not his fault that he didnot marry the lady. 

"'Then you love her still, Bernard?'

"'Yes, Lucille, but I love you also. '

"In anger and disappointed love I left him. Of course all plans for themarriage were cancelled at once. 'First love or none, ' was then writtenon my heart, where it still remains. "

Lucille wept while Leo sat surprised. He knew not what to say, for herheart-story and heart edict, "First love or none, " had opened his ownwounds afresh, and had shut the door to Lucille's heart perhaps forever. 

"Come, Lucille, " a call of Mrs. Harris, aroused the courage of Leo, andhe said to Lucille, who with a flushed face looked more beautiful thanever, "At least we should be friends. " "Yes, " she murmured, and Mrs. Harris and her daughter retired. 

The night before, the second officer had told Lucille that land wouldprobably be seen early next day on the port-side. All the morning, Mrs. Harris was awaiting anxiously more news about the great strike atHarrisville. 

"Land, on the port-side, sir!" shouted the forward lookout, just as fourbells struck the hour of ten o'clock. The officer on duty, pacing thebridge, raised his glass and in a moment he answered, "Ay! Ay! TheSkelligs. "

"What do they mean?" inquired Mrs. Harris of a sailor passing. "Theofficer has sighted land, madam. Don't you see the specks of blue lowdown on the horizon to the northeast? That's the Skelligs, three rockyislets off the southwest coast of Ireland, near where I was born, andwhere my wife Katy, and the babies live. That's where my dear old motheralso keeps watch for her Patsie. "

"Is your name Patsie?" Alfonso asked. 

"Yes, sir, Patsie Fitzgerald, and I'm proud of my name, my family, theEmerald Isle, and the fine steamer that's taking us safely home, and mayGod bless all you fine people, and keep my wife and babies and my dearold mother!"

"Thank you!" said Alfonso, "here, Patsie, is a little money for thebabies, " and the sailor tipped his hat and bowed his thanks. 

The signal officer on Brea Head, Valentia Island, was soon exchangingsignals with the "Majestic, " and five minutes later the sighting of the"Majestic" was cabled to the Lloyds of Liverpool and London and back toNew York, via Valentia Bay, and it was known that evening in Harrisvillethat the Harris family were safely nearing Queenstown. 

Travelers experience delightful feelings as the old world is approachedfor the first time. All that has been read or told, and half believed, isnow felt to be true, and you are delighted that you are so soon to seefor yourself the "Mother Islands, " and Europe which have peopled thewestern world with sons and daughters. 

With the precision of the New York and Jersey City ferries the oceansteamers enter the harbors of the old and new world. On the southwesterncoast of Ireland is Bantry Bay, memorable in history as having been twiceentered by the French navy for the purpose of invading Ireland. In sightis Valentia, the British terminus of the first Atlantic cable to NorthAmerica, also the terminus of the cables laid in 1858, 1865, and 1866, and of others since laid. The distance is 1635 miles from Valentia Bayto St. John, Newfoundland. 

From the deck of the steamer, Ireland seems old and worn. Her rocky capesand mountainous headlands reach far into the ever encroaching Atlanticlike the bony fingers of a giant. Fastnet Rock lighthouse on the right, telling the mariner of half-sunken rocks, and Cape Clear on the left, soon drop behind. 

Approaching Queenstown, the green forests and fields and little whitehomes of fishermen and farmers are visible along the receding shore. Roach's Point, four miles from Queenstown is reached, where the mails arelanded and received, if the weather is bad, but Captain Morgan decidedto steam into Queenstown Harbor, one of the finest bays in the world, being a sheltered basin of ten square miles, and the entrance stronglyfortified. Within the harbor are several islands occupied by barracks, ordnance and convict depots, and powder magazines. This deep andcapacious harbor can float the navies of the world. In beauty it comparesfavorably with the Bay of Naples. 

Cove, or Queenstown, as Cove is called, since the visit of Queen Victoriain 1849, has a population of less than ten thousand. It is situated onthe terraced and sheltered south side of Great Island. Here for hishealth came Rev. Charles Wolfe, author of "Not a drum was heard, not afuneral note. "

In the amphitheatre-shaped town on parallel streets rise tiers of whitestone houses, relieved by spire and tower. On neighboring highest hillsare old castles, forts, and a tall white lighthouse. 

One or more of Her Majesty's armored warships may always be seen withinthe bay. The "Majestic" dropped anchor in the quiet harbor, and thecompany's lighter came along side with passengers for Liverpool, and totake ashore the Queenstown passengers, and the mails which, checked out, numbered over 1600 sacks. The transatlantic mail is put aboard theexpress and hurried to Dublin, thence from Kingston to Holyhead, via aswift packet across St. George's Channel, and to its destination, thussaving valuable hours in its delivery throughout Europe. 

Several small boats appeared bringing natives who offered for sale fruit, Irish laces, and canes made of black bog oak, with the shamrock carved onthe handles. Mrs. Harris was much pleased to renew her acquaintance withthe scenes of her girlhood, having sailed from Queenstown for Boston whenshe was only ten years old. 

The baggage was left on the steamer to go forward to Liverpool, andAlfonso led the way aboard the lighter, and from the dock to the Queen'sHotel. Each carried a small satchel, with change of clothing, till thetrunks should be overtaken. 

At the hotel Alfonso found the longed-for cablegram from his father whichread as follows:--

 Harrisville, --

 _Mrs. Reuben Harris, Queen's Hotel, Queenstown, Ireland. _

 Employees still out. Mills guarded. Will hire new men. Searles visits Australia. All well. Enjoy yourselves. Love. 

 Reuben Harris. 

"It's too bad that father and Gertrude couldn't be with us, " said Mrs. Harris. 

The lunch ashore of Irish chops, new vegetables, and fruit was a decidedimprovement on the food of the last few days. The Harrises after a stormysea voyage were delighted again to put foot on mother earth, to enjoy thegreen terraces, ivy-clad walls, cottages, and churches, and also to seethe shamrock, a tiny clover, which St. Patrick held up before the Irishpeople to prove the Holy Trinity. Lucille found the pretty yellow furz, the flower which Linnæus, the famous Swedish botanist, kissed. 

Alfonso suggested that they take the part rail and part river routeof a dozen miles to Cork, the third city of Ireland. En route are seenbeautiful villas, green park-like fields, rich woods, and a terracethat adorns the steep banks of the River Lee. A ruined castle atMonkstown is pointed out, which a thrifty woman built, paying the workmanin goods, on which she cleared enough to pay for the castle, except anodd groat, hence the saying, "The castle cost only a groat. "

A delightful day was spent at Cork, an ancient city, which pagans andDanes once occupied, and which both Cromwell and Marlborough captured. Here Rev. Thomas Lee, by his preaching, inclined William Penn, "Father ofPennsylvania, " to become a Quaker. Here was born Sheridan Knowles, thedramatist, and other famous writers. 

After visiting the lakes of Killarney and Dublin, the Harris family tooka hasty trip through England. 

CHAPTER VIII

COLONEL HARRIS RETURNS TO HARRISVILLE

The strong will of Reuben Harris was to meet its match, in fact itsdefeat. His plans for a well rounded life were nearing a climax when thetelegram from his manager Wilson changed all his plans, and standing onthe pier, as his family steamed away, he experienced the horrors of aterrible nightmare. 

Mechanically he shook his white handkerchief, saw his family carriedfar out to sea as if to another world, and he longed for some yawningearthquake to engulf him. He stood transfixed to the dock; theperspiration of excitement, now checked, was chilling him when Gertrudecaught his arm and said, "Father, what is the matter?"

Colonel Harris's strong frame trembled like a ship that had struck ahidden rock, and then he rallied as if from a stupor, and taking Mr. Searles's arm was helped to a carriage. 

He said, "You must pardon me, Mr. Searles, if for a moment I seemedunmanned. It is a terrible ordeal to be thus suddenly separated from myfamily. "

"Yes, Colonel Harris, I had a similar experience recently on the docksin Liverpool when my family bade me adieu, and I came alone to America. Separation for a time even from those we love is trying. "

The heroic in Colonel Harris soon enabled him to plan well for theafternoon. He telegraphed Mr. Wilson of his decision to return, and thensaid, "We will leave New York at 6 o'clock this evening for Harrisville. Mr. Searles, we will try to use the afternoon for your pleasure. Driver, please take us to the Windsor Hotel, via the Produce Exchange. " Thecolonel having left the Waldorf did not wish, under the circumstances, again to enter his name on its register. 

The ride down West Street, New York, at midday, is anything butenjoyable, as few thoroughfares are more crowded with every kind ofvehicle conveying merchandise from ship to warehouse, and from warehouseto ship and cars. However, the ride impressed Searles with the immensityof the trade of the metropolis. West Street leads to Battery Park, theProduce, and Stock Exchanges, which Colonel Harris desired Mr. Searlesand his daughter Gertrude to see in the busy part of the day. 

Colonel Harris explained that here in Battery Park terminated theMetropolitan Elevated Railway. A railway in the air with steam-enginesand coaches crowded with people interested Mr. Searles greatly. 

"In London, " he said, "we are hurried about under ground, in foul air, and darkness often. "

"Here at Battery Park, Mr. Searles, November 25, 1783, Sir Guy Carleton'sBritish army embarked. Our New Yorkers still celebrate the date asEvacuation Day. Near by at an earlier date Hendrick Christianson, agentof a Dutch fur trading company, built four small houses and a redoubt, the foundation of America's metropolis. In 1626 Peter Minuit, firstgovernor of the New Netherlands, bought for twenty-six dollars allManhattan Island. "

Mr. Searles visited the tall Washington Building which occupies theground where formerly stood the headquarters of Lords Cornwallis andHowe. He told Gertrude that he had read that, in July, 1776, the peoplecame in vast crowds to Battery Park to celebrate the Declaration ofIndependence, and that they knocked over the equestrian statue of GeorgeIII. , which was melted into bullets to be used against the British. 

"Yes, " replied Colonel Harris, "in early days, Americans doubtless lackedappreciation of art, but we always gave our cousins across-sea a warmreception. "

"Colonel Harris, " said Mr. Searles, "it has always puzzled me tounderstand why you should have built near Boston the Bunker HillMonument. "

"Mr. Searles, because we Americans whipped the British. "

"Oh no, Colonel, that fight was a British victory. "

"Father, " said Gertrude, "Mr. Searles is right; the British troops, underGeneral Gage, drove the American forces off both Breed's Hill and BunkerHill. The obelisk of Quincy granite was erected at Charlestown, I think, to commemorate the stout resistance which the raw provincial militia madeagainst regular British soldiers, confirming the Americans in the beliefthat their liberty could be won. "

Mr. Searles thanked Miss Harris for her timely aid and added that apatriot is a rebel who succeeds, and a rebel is a patriot who fails. Heobserved also the witty sign over the entrance of a dealer in Americanflags, "Colors warranted not to run. "

The party drove to the Produce Exchange, one of the most impressivebuildings in New York. It is of rich Italian Renaissance architecture. Beneath the projecting galley-prows in the main hall, the fiercebargaining of excited members reminded Mr. Searles of a pitched battlewithout cavalry or artillery. 

Gertrude was anxious to climb the richly decorated campanile that risestwo hundred and twenty-five feet, which commands an unrivalled bird's-eyeview of lower New York, the bay, Brooklyn, Long Island, and the mountainsof New Jersey. All hoped to catch a glimpse of the "Majestic, " but shewas down the Narrows and out of sight. 

Mr. Searles desired to see Trinity Church, so he was driven up Broadwayto the head of Wall Street. Its spire is graceful and two hundred andeighty-four feet high. The land on which it stands was granted in 1697by the English government. There were also other magnificent endowments. Trinity Parish, or Corporation, is the richest single church organizationin the United States, enjoying revenues of over five hundred thousanddollars a year. In Revolutionary times the royalist clergy persisted inreading prayers for the king of England till their voices were drownedby the drum and fife of patriots marching up the center aisle. 

It was now past two o'clock and the Harris party was driven to the HotelWindsor for lunch. Promptly at six o'clock the conductor of the fastWestern Express shouted, "All aboard, " and Colonel Harris, Gertrude, andMr. Searles in their own private car, left busy New York for Harrisville. 

The Express creeps slowly along the steel way, under cross-streets, through arched tunnels, and over the Harlem River till the Hudson isreached, and then this world-famed river is followed 142 miles toAlbany, the capital of the Empire State. This tide-water ride on theAmerican Rhine is unsurpassed. The Express is whirled through tunnels, over bridges, past the magnificent summer houses of the magnates of themetropolis that adorn the high bluffs, past wooded hill and winding dale, grand mountains, and sparkling rivulets. Every object teems with historicmemories. This ride, in June, is surpassed only when the forests are in ablaze of autumnal splendor. 

For twenty miles in sight are the battlemented cliffs of the Palisades. Mr. Searles was familiar with the facile pen of Washington Irving, andfrom the car caught sight of "Sunny Side" covered with nourishing vines, grown from slips, which Irving secured from Sir Walter Scott atAbbottsford. 

Passing Tarrytown Colonel Harris said, "Here Major Andre was captured, and the treachery of Benedict Arnold exposed, otherwise, we might to-dayhave been paying tribute to the crown of Great Britain. "

"Yes, " replied Mr. Searles, "George Washington, patriot, hung MajorAndre, the spy. You made Washington president, and we gave Andre amonument in Westminster Abbey. "

Sing Sing and Peekskill were left behind, and the Express was approachingthe picturesque Highlands, a source of never failing delight to tourists. West Point, the site of the famous United States Military Academy, is onthe left bank of the Hudson in the very bosom of the Highlands. 

The sun set in royal splendor behind the Catskills;

 "And lo! the Catskills print the distant sky, And o'er their airy tops the faint clouds driven So softly blending that the cheated eye Forgets or which is earth, or which is heaven. "

"Mr. Searles, " said Colonel Harris, "before leaving America you mustclimb the Catskills. Thousands every summer, escaping from the heat andworry of life, visit those wind-swept 'hills of the sky. ' There they findrest and happiness in great forests, shady nooks, lovely walks, and finedrives. 

"There are several hotels in the vicinity. From one hotel on anoverhanging cliff you behold stretched out before you a hundred miles ofthe matchless panorama of the Hudson. The Highlands lie to the south, theBerkshire Hills and Green Mountains to the east, and the Adirondacks tothe north. The latter is a paradise for disciples of Nimrod and of IzaakWalton, and a blessed sanitarium for Americans, most of whom under skiesless gray than yours do their daily work with little if any reservevitality. "

Gertrude, who had excused herself some minutes before, now returned. Shehad been visiting in an adjoining Pullman a friend of hers, whom she hadmet for a moment in the Grand Central Station before the train started. Calling Colonel Harris aside, she said, "Father, Mrs. Nellie Eastlake, myclassmate at Smith College, is going with friends to the Pacific Coast;shall I ask her to dine with us?"

"Certainly, child, invite her, and I am sure, Mr. Searles, that youconcur in my daughter's plan to increase our party at dinner, do younot?"

"Most assuredly, Colonel. "

A little later charming Mrs. Eastlake followed Gertrude into the"Alfonso, " and soon dinner was announced. The steward, thoughtlessly, hadforgotten in New York to purchase flowers for the table, but they werenot missed. 

There are women in this world whose presence is so enjoyable that theyrival the charm of both art and flowers. Their voices, their grace ofmanner, their interest in you and your welfare, laden the air with anindescribable something that exhilarates. Their presence is like thesunshine that warms and perfumes a conservatory; you inhale the odors ofroses, pinks, and climbing jessamines. Such a woman was Nellie Eastlake. She was tall and winning. The marble heart of the Venus of Milo wouldhave warmed in her presence. Shakespeare would have said of her eyes, "They do mislead the morn. "

Mrs. Eastlake was in sympathy with the Harrises in their keendisappointments. She possessed the tact to put Mr. Searles in thehappiest frame of mind, so that he half forgot his mission to America. The Colonel also forgot, for the hour, that his family were absent, andthat his workmen in Harrisville were on a strike. 

Mrs. Eastlake in her girlhood had converted all who knew her into ardentfriends. While at school on the Hudson, she met the rich father of aschoolmate. Later she was invited to travel with this friend and herfather, Mr. Eastlake, a widower, among the Thousand Islands and down theSt. Lawrence River. She so charmed the millionaire that after graduationat Smith College she accepted and married him. She was now journeying toher palatial home on the Pacific Coast. She skilfully helped to guide thetable-talk, avoiding unwelcome topics. The dinner over, a half-hour wasspent with music and magazines, and the party retired for the night. 

Breakfast was served as the Express approached Lake Erie. It was agreedthat Mr. Searles should accompany Mrs. Eastlake and Gertrude in the car"Alfonso, " and spend a day or two at Niagara Falls. 

Colonel Harris kissed Gertrude, said good-bye to all, and taking a seatin a Pullman, continued alone on his journey to Harrisville. Returninghome he hoped, if possible, to set matters right at the steel millsbefore Mr. Searles arrived. 

Left to himself, he now had opportunity for reflection. The time was, when he was as proud of his ability to do an honest day's work at theforge as he was to-day proud of his great wealth and growing power in themanufacturing world. Then he was poor, but he was conscious of forceshidden within which if used on the right things and at the right time andplace he believed would make him a man of influence. 

He was able then with his own hands to fashion a bolt, a nail, orhorseshoe, unsurpassed in the county. He was handy in shaping andtempering tools of every kind. When he ate his cold dinner, reheating hiscoffee over the forge coals, he often thought of the dormant fires withinhim, and he wondered if they would ever be fanned to a white heat. Foryears he had toiled hard to pay the rent of his forge and home and hismonthly bills. His wife was saving and helpful in a thousand ways, butlife was a hard struggle from sun to sun. 

One summer's day when work was slack, there came to his shop a tallEnglishman to get a small job done. So well was the work performed byHarris that the Englishman, whose name was James Ingram, said to Harris, "I believe you are the mechanic I have long been looking for. In earlylife I was apprenticed in England to a famous iron-master, and when theBessemer patents for converting iron into steel were issued, it was mygood fortune to be a foreman where the first experiments were made byHenry Bessemer himself, and so I came to have a practical knowledge ofBessemer's valuable invention; but my health failed, and for six monthsI have been in your country in search of it, and now being well again, I plan to start if possible a Bessemer steel plant in America. Can youhelp me?"

Reuben Harris was quick to see that great profits might be realized fromBessemer's patents and Ingram's ideas, and promptly said, "Yes, but Imust first know more about these patents and their workings. " Before aweek had passed, he had learned much from Ingram concerning the practicalworking of the Bessemer process of converting iron into steel. Bessemerclaimed that his steel rails would last much longer than the common ironrail then in use. 

Reuben Harris easily comprehended that the profits would be large. It wasverbally agreed between Harris and Ingram that they would share equallyany and all profits realized. Ingram had contributed reliable knowledge, Harris was to enlist capital, and both were to make use of all theirtalents, for they were both skilled mechanics. 

It was not an easy matter for Harris to secure capital, for capital isoften lynx-eyed, and usually it is very conservative. It was especiallycautious of investment in Harris's schemes, as the practical workings ofthe Bessemer process were not yet fully understood in America. 

The profits promised by both Harris and Ingram to capitalists were great, and this possibly made capital suspicious. Finally enough ready money wasobtained to make a successful experiment, which so convinced a few richmen that more money was immediately advanced, and the steel plant wassoon furnishing most satisfactory steel rails at greatly reduced cost forboth the manufacturer and consumer. 

Harris's ability to manage kept pace with the rapid growth of the newenterprise, while Ingram's knowledge and inventive talents proved that assuperintendent of the steel plant he was the right man in the rightplace. 

At first Harris found great difficulty in convincing railway managersthat the steel rail would render enough more service to compensate forthe additional cost. The most anybody could say in favor of the steelrail was largely theoretical. The Bessemer steel rail had had only a fewmonths of actual service, long enough, however, to demonstrate that atthe joints it would not batter and splinter like the iron rail. This was, indeed, a desideratum and many orders came in. Not only was the steelmill kept running day and night, but orders accumulated so rapidly thatlarge additions were made to the mills. 

Money for all these improvements and the capital necessary to carry onthe increasing business were matters of vital importance to the successof the company. To manage a business with greatest advantage quite asmuch ready cash is needed as is invested in the plant, otherwise thebanker's discount becomes a heavy lien on the profits, and thestockholders grumble at small dividends. 

Possibly Reuben Harris overestimated the value of his service infinanciering the business; at least he came to believe that he earned, and ought to have a larger interest than James Ingram. Ingram, becameso cramped by assessments and money obligations that he was obliged tosell to Harris most of his interest in the steel plant. Harris'sinterests increased, till practically he was the owner of the HarrisvilleIron & Steel Works, and much property besides. He was quoted as amillionaire, while James Ingram was superintendent of only a departmentof the steel works, and his income was nominal. Often he felt that greatinjustice had been done him. Several times he had talked the matter overwith Colonel Harris, but with little satisfaction. 

The great wrong done to James Ingram, to whom Harris was so largelyindebted for the initial and practical knowledge of successfullymanufacturing steel rails was uppermost in Reuben Harris's mind asthe express hurried him back to Harrisville. 

CHAPTER IX

CAPITAL AND LABOR IN CONFERENCE

Colonel Harris's awakened conscience was considering seriously thequestion, "How can I right this wrong done to Ingram?" when the Expressstopped at a station thirty miles out of Harrisville, and into his carcame the son of James Ingram, George Ingram who was now superintendent ofthe Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. 's plant. Somebody, perhaps Gertrude, hadtelegraphed from Buffalo to the superintendent to tell him on which trainColonel Harris expected to return. 

George Ingram was visibly affected as he took the proffered hand ofReuben Harris, and inquired about his health and the whereabouts andwelfare of his family. Harris implored young Ingram to tell him all aboutthe strike, its latest phases, and what the municipal authorities weredoing for the protection of his property. George Ingram gave him a briefhistory of the troubles up to the time of his leaving Harrisville. Hetold how the manager aided by the company's general counsel, Mr. Webster, had used every possible argument with the workingmen's committee; that astatement even had been submitted, showing that very small or practicallyno profits had resulted from recent contracts, which were now beingcompleted by the company. The effort to arrive at a satisfactoryadjustment with the employees was thus far absolutely fruitless. Sincedaylight the four thousand men had been parading the streets with musicand clubs, forcing employees of other establishments to quit work, andthreatening to destroy the steel plant. 

The color in Colonel Harris's face came and went as he listened, showinga white heat of indignation. Ingram sat facing his employer, watching theemotions of a strong man, and not then daring to offer any suggestion, for he felt strongly in behalf of the employees, who always looked uponhim as their friend. 

Colonel Harris was a man of powerful build, wide forehead, overhangingbrows, broad chest and shoulders, short thick neck, and strong armsdeveloped at the anvil. His superintendent from boyhood had studied him, but never before had he seen the lion in his employer so aroused. 

Arriving at Harrisville the wealthy iron-master, accompanied by hissuperintendent, stepped into his own private carriage, and immediatelydrove to the general offices of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Thedirectors of the company were in special session to devise means ofprotecting their threatened property and of crushing the strike. 

B. C. Wilson, the manager, rose to greet Colonel Harris, who shook handswith him and the directors, and then the meeting was resumed, Harrisacting as chairman of the board. Colonel Harris soon grasped thesituation, and he approved of all that his directors and manager haddone. 

Rising to his feet, in a firm tone, he made a vigorous talk to his board:"Gentlemen, my views as to the best method of dealing with the importantquestion before us are known to some of you. Four years ago a similartrouble perplexed our company, and our failure then to act decisivelyresulted in prolonging the discontent among our employees. Their purposesare as apparent to-day as then, viz. , to rule or ruin our giganticenterprise. Capital and labor should be the best of friends. Unfortunately, trusts and labor organizations are alike avaricious andselfish. 

"Centuries ago, in Belgium, weavers dictated terms to capital, and hurledrich men from balconies to death upon spears below. This unnaturalrevolution lasted for a short time only; brains and wealth again acquiredcontrol, and they always will control. To yield to our employees theprivilege of fixing their own wages, and a voice in directing the affairsof our company is to cloud or mortgage our capital. This is a mostunreasonable demand. Why should they expect us to share with them ourproperty, title to which the United States has guaranteed?

"If our state, or national government cannot or will not defend us in thetitle to our property, on which they yearly levy taxes, then we willplace our interests beneath a flag that can and will give ampleprotection. This terrible uncertainty as to titles and values in theUnited States will yet wreck the republic. "

It was natural that the directors should heartily approve ColonelHarris's utterances, as he was the owner of five-sixths of the stock ofthe company. He then asked Mr. Webster their general counsel, to readto the board the position which the company proposed to take before thepublic. 

Mr. Webster was a tall, elderly man, who had served five years on thesupreme bench of his state, an attorney of few words, but well versed inthe laws of his country, especially in corporation laws. Holding a sheetof paper in his hands he read, "The Harrisville Iron & Steel Companyclaims the fundamental right to manage its own business in its own way, in accordance with and under the protection of the laws of the land. "

The board voted its approval of the attorney's position, and also votedthat a petition be drawn and immediately sent to the mayor of the cityasking protection for their property. The board then adjourned. 

Colonel Harris, his manager, and Mr. Webster entered a carriage, anddrove rapidly to the mayor's office, while superintendent George Ingramdrove back to the steel works to execute his orders, though he did notbelieve in harsh measures. Harris presented the petition to the mayor, who hastily examined it. Bands of music were now audible on the street, and a long procession of workingmen, bearing national banners, was seenmarching towards the city hall. Citizens on the streets held theirbreath, and policemen feared the outcome. 

Colonel Harris rose to go, but the Mayor seized his arm and said, "No! you and your friends must stay here and meet a committee of youremployees who have an appointment with me at three o'clock. 

"Already I have said to the same committee, who called at ten o'clockthis morning, that I should expect them to influence your employees tokeep the peace, to aid in protecting your property, to disperse quietlyand remain in their homes. Colonel Harris, please be seated, you and yourfriends must remain. "

"Well, Mr. Mayor, since you insist, we will remain, but our companydemands the protection of all our property, and the preservation of peaceand lives in our midst. You are the city's executive officer. The paymentannually by our corporation of thousands in taxes, calls for anequivalent, therefore we ask that you maintain the dignity of the cityand her laws. "

The mayor stepped to the telephone and called Major Strong, the chief ofpolice. "Send at once a captain and twenty-five policemen in patrolwagons to the city hall. Hold fifty more men in readiness. "

A great throng of people occupied the sidewalks and the windows ofadjoining buildings. Thousands of workmen crowded the pavement from curbto curb. The vast crowd below, though impressive was not new to ColonelHarris nor did it alarm him. 

Four years before, his employees were out on a strike for several months. Then the issue was, "Will the company recognize the demands of theAmalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers of America?" The replyof the company was, "No!" The struggle then was severe, but the strikefailed. The present issue was, "Will the company pay an increase ofwages?"

The committee of five of the employees soon entered the mayor's office. They were much surprised to find that Colonel Harris had returned to thecity; it was believed that he had actually set sail for Europe. Thecommittee unfortunately was a radical one, and did not represent theaverage thoughtful and conservative type of workingmen. Evidently thecommittee had been selected for the purpose of intimidating capital, astheir manner did not indicate a conciliatory policy. 

Mr. Burns, acting as spokesman, said, "Mr. Mayor, it is 3 o'clock, and weare back again promptly, as you requested, and you see that our committeeis increased by several thousand workingmen on the street below who havecome to demand bread of a soulless corporation. Mayor Duty, what do youadvise us to do?"

The Mayor was nervous as he replied, "Mr. Burns and members of thecommittee, I confess that so many thousands of honest and upturned facesof workingmen move my heart. If I were able it would give me pleasurefirst to ask you all to partake of a good meal, for more satisfactorybusiness is usually accomplished after people are well fed. You ask myadvice. Here, gentlemen of the committee, is Colonel Harris, youremployer, let him speak to you. "

Memories of a wife and three babies at home, dependent for bread upon hisown earnings at the forge, flashing upon the mind of Colonel Harris, sweetened his spirit and softened his voice, so that he spoke briefly andkindly to the committee, repeating, however, what his manager had toldthe committee at ten o'clock, viz. , "that the present bad condition ofthe steel market would not permit the company to grant the advance ofwages they asked. "

The committee, aware of the large profits of former years, sullenlyretired, and after the company's decision had been communicated to theanxious thousands below, the employees of the Harrisville Iron & SteelCo. Slowly returned to their homes. The mayor ordered his chief ofpolice to dispatch immediately in patrol wagons fifty men to the steelworks, to guard the property and keep the peace. 

After the committee retired, the mayor said, "Well, Colonel Harris, whatwill be the outcome?"

"Mr. Mayor, we cannot foretell anything. You never know what workingmenin their lodges will do. There, as a rule, the 'Walking delegate' and afew agitators rule with despotic power. If a workman, whose large familyforces him to take conservative views, dares in his lodge to suggestpeaceful measures, an agitator rises at once in indignation and demandsthat traitors to the cause of labor be expelled. This throttles freedomof action in many labor unions, so that often what appears on the surfaceto be the unanimous action of the members of workingmen's leagues, is butthe exercise of despotic power by a few men who have nothing to lose, andwhose salary is paid from the slim purses of honest labor. 

"Usually those who talk much and loudly think little and unwisely, andthe opposite to their advice is safest to follow. The greatest needto-day in most of our labor organizations is wise leadership, and thiswill result when the best element in the labor lodges asserts itself. 

"The despotism of ill-advised labor is to be dreaded by civilization morethan the reign of intelligent capital. This is especially true in theUnited States, where under wise laws, wealth cannot be entailed, andwhere most large fortunes soon disappear among the heirs. 

"A simple pair of shears illustrates perfectly the relationship thatcapital and labor should sustain each to the other. Capital is one bladeof the shears, and labor is the other blade; either blade without theother is useless, and the two blades are useless unless the rivet is inplace. Confidence is to capital and labor what the rivet is to the twoblades. The desideratum to-day in the business world is full and abidingconfidence between capital and labor. " Thus speaking Colonel Harris andhis friends left the mayor and returned to their homes. 

 * * * * *

After a visit to Niagara Falls, Mr. Searles and his party went on toHarrisville, where Mrs. Eastlake rejoined some friends and continued herlong journey to the Pacific Coast. Colonel Harris met his daughter andMr. Hugh Searles at the station, the latter, under the circumstances, being the last person he cared to see. The carriage was driven at once toReuben Harris's beautiful home that overlooked Harrisville and blue LakeErie. 

After dinner Colonel Harris explained to Mr. Searles all about theinopportune strike; also that it was impossible to say when the steelplant would be started again. Mr. Searles decided next morning that aftera short ride through Harrisville he would continue his journey throughthe States to California, and possibly to Australia, where he had anotherimportant interest to attend to in behalf of a London client. 

It was further arranged that he would return to London via Harrisville inabout six months, if so desired by Colonel Harris, otherwise he wouldcomplete the journey around the world, returning to England by way of theSuez Canal. 

CHAPTER X

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

The Ingrams lived not far from the steel mills in one of two woodenhouses, each two stories in height, which Reuben Harris and James Ingramhad built for their families, when they began in a modest way tomanufacture steel. As Reuben Harris grew rich he moved his family intoa beautiful home in the fashionable part of the city, and good societyaccepted them as their equals. 

The large family and small income of James Ingram forced him to continuehis residence in the same brown house near the steel mills. The Ingramfamily kept much to their English ways and knew little or nothing ofsociety. The English and Germans cling tenaciously to their old habitsand customs which they carry across seas and over mountains. Generationsmust elapse before it will be safe to predict what the national type ofan American citizen will be. One discovers on the British Isles themixture of centuries of European blood which has developed a virility ofbody and brain that dominates the globe. "More honor to be a Britishsubject to-day than to have been a Roman in Rome's palmiest days, " thoughtJames Ingram, who was proud of his race and his family blood. 

James Ingram came from a well-bred English household. His environment nowhedged him in. In England ill-health, and now, in America, ill-treatmentmade him miss golden opportunities. Except good qualities are inbred, itis almost as impossible for a person in one stratum of society to belifted up into another as it is for the geological strata of the earth tochange positions. 

The grandmother of James Ingram had good blood in her veins; she camefrom a family that had performed valiant deeds in war and in peace. JamesIngram's father had erred in judgment, and a large estate, partiallyinherited, had been swept away as by a flood. He died, leaving James theeldest son to aid in supporting his mother and several children. 

James Ingram was now over fifty years of age. Could he, or his children, retrieve their family prestige was a question he often asked himself. Hestill had energy, unconquerable determination, and faith in himself. These are some of the essential elements in a successful character; butthe fates thus far had decreed adversely. His early education was not ofthe best, but by carefully devoting not less than two hours a day to goodreading, he had not only kept pace with current history, but had alsoacquired a helpful knowledge of the sciences. 

When his oldest son George was born, he planned to give his children thebest education possible. Two of his three daughters were teaching in thepublic schools; May Ingram taught music. Two of his sons worked in themills, one as chemist and one as an electrician; a third son wasconductor on a passenger train, and a fourth was studying to be aphysician. 

The father and his son, George, after the day's work at the millswas over, spent much time over a problem which, if solved, wouldrevolutionize many things. Twice they thought they were on the eve of asolution of the subject, but unforeseen obstacles were encountered, andstill they struggled on. 

It is no wonder that the father was proud of George, now chemist of thevast steel works, for he was manly and respected by all the employees. When a boy, George worked nights, Saturdays, and during his vacations inthe mills, and the men came to know and love his genial ways and fairmethods, and thus he gained a good knowledge of steel-making. 

His father was urgent that his son should not miss a single day in hisschooling. At length he graduated at the high school with the esteem ofhis teachers and his class. During the twelve years spent in publicschools he had acquired a fine discipline of mind, a love of thesciences, and enough of Latin and Greek to aid him in determining thederivation and exact meaning of words. Co-education too had refined hisnature, and enabled him to estimate correctly his own abilities, but bestof all he had come to know at the high school the second daughter ofReuben Harris, Gertrude, who graduated in his own class. During thesenior year he had frequently walked and talked with her, and came toknow somewhat of her plans. 

Gertrude's parents, especially Mrs. Harris, were anxious that both theirdaughters should go to private schools, and Lucille was easily persuadedto attend a young ladies' seminary, where æsthetic accomplishments wereemphasized and considered essentials and a passport into good society. But Gertrude decided in favor of a public school education. 

Lucille and Gertrude as sisters were fond of each other, but Lucillelived more for self, while Gertrude preferred others to self. Gertrudehad learned early how by a smile or bow to retain an old friend or towin a new one. She spent very little time thinking about her own needs, preferring to take flowers or fruit, even when given her, to some sick oraged person. Nothing pleased her more than to visit the Old Ladies' Homewith a few gifts and read the Bible or comforting stories to the inmates. 

Mrs. Harris when east chanced to spend a June day at Wellesley Collegenear Boston. By early moonlight several hundred Wellesley girls andthousands of spectators had assembled on the banks of Lake Waban to enjoythe "Float. " Gaily uniformed crews in their college flotilla formeda star-shaped group near the shore for their annual concert. Chineselanterns, like giant fire-flies, swung in the trees and on many gracefulboats. The silver notes of the bugle and the chant of youthful voiceschanged the college-world into a fairyland. 

Both mother and daughter were charmed and Lucille gladly decided to enterWellesley. Hard study, however, and the daily forty-five minutes ofdomestic work then required, did not agree with her nature, and after afew weeks she decided upon a change, and continued her education at oneof the private schools on the Back-Bay in Boston. 

Gertrude, possessing a more active mind and ambition, resolved to obtainan education as good as her brother Alfonso had had at Harvard. She hadread of a prominent benefactor who believed that woman had the same rightas man to intellectual culture and development, and who in 1861 hadfounded on the Hudson, midway between Albany and New York, an institutionwhich he hoped would accomplish for women what colleges were doing formen. 

So Gertrude applied for enrollment and was admitted to Vassar College. Rooms were assigned her in Strong Hall. She liked Vassar's sensible wayof hazing, a cordial reception being given to freshmen by the sophomores. She was glad to be under both men and women professors, for this in partfulfilled her idea of the education that women should receive. 

At Vassar were several girls from Harrisville whom Gertrude knew, but noboys. She wrote her mother that she would be better pleased if Vassar hadless Greek and more boys. She could not understand why co-education atthe high school in Harrisville, that worked perfectly, should stop at thethreshold of Vassar, or other women's and men's colleges. 

The two following years on the beautiful Hudson were happy years forGertrude. She conquered mathematics, stood well in Latin, and wasenthusiastic in the study of psychology, the science of mind, whichteaches the intimate relation of mental phenomena to the physicalorganism. German was an elective study with Gertrude, which she hadstudied at the high school, but at Vassar she learned to write and talkthe language with accuracy and freedom, which is not usual, unless onelives in a German family. 

Gertrude was already planning to study history and some of the sciencesin original German text-books, if occasion offered. She cared littlefor music, though she was extremely fond of poetry and now and thencontributed verses for publication. Her essay on architecture at theclose of the second year elicited applause from the students and praisein red ink across the first page of the composition. 

Self-government of the Vassar girls develops self-respect andself-control. A Vassar girl is bound on her honor to retire every nightat ten o'clock, with three exceptions a month, to exercise in thegymnasium three hours a week, and to take at least one hour of outdoorexercise daily. Regular exercise, regular meals, nine hours of sleep, andplenty of mental work were rapidly preparing Gertrude to fill some nobleposition in the world. 

At Vassar other sources of mental rest and physical strength are, tennis-court tournaments, basket ball, rowing and skating on the lake, bicycling, or five-mile tramps, studying birds, photographing scenery, orgathering wild flowers. The Vassar girl is also enthusiastic over the"Tree and Trig Ceremonies" and amateur dramatic entertainments. 

Gertrude closed her second and last year at Vassar with regret. Thefarewell "fudge" party was for Gertrude, and given in her own room by ascore of her warm personal friends. The rule for "fudge-making" is, twocups of sugar, milk, two rolls of butter melted with chocolate in acopper kettle over a gas stove. The fused compound is poured into paperplates and cut into tiny squares. So eager is the Vassar girl for "fudge"that the struggle is earnest for the first taste, and for the cleaning ofthe big spoon and kettle. The Vassar girl has a sweet tooth, and "fudge"parties always evolve love stories and fun in abundance. 

After a pleasant vacation in the Adirondacks with friends, Gertruderesolved to complete her education at Smith College on the lovelyConnecticut River, which winds through western Massachusetts. To educatea whole family of boys and girls at the "dear old alma mater" is now anexploded fancy. A better plan is to educate the half dozen brothers andsisters at a half dozen good colleges. What faculty of educators can layclaim to all the best methods of evolving characters?

The industry and economy of James Ingram had enabled him to send his sonGeorge for two years to the Polytechnic Institute at Troy. Suddenlyfinancial troubles made it impossible for him longer to assist his son. Mrs. Harris, very likely by Gertrude's suggestion, offered to providefunds for the third and last year at the institute, and George wasdelighted to complete his course. 

By invitation, George had spent the last days of his vacation withGertrude in the Adirondacks, and he had accompanied Mrs. Harris and herdaughters back to Albany, while the mother continued the journey leavingGertrude at Smith College, Northampton, and Lucille at Boston. Mrs. Harris was justly proud of her girls. Their figure and dress often causedpeople to stop in their conversation or reading, as mother and daughtersentered a car or a hotel. 

George Ingram returned to the institute with high hopes. A few of hisplans were revealed to Gertrude on the last night of his vacation. Hetold her some things he never dared mention before to any one. They wereon Saranac Lake and the moon seemed to change the water to silver. Theirbirch canoe drifted along the shore and George, dropping his oars, reversed his seat and faced the girl he loved as he told her much of hisplan for life. Gertrude dipped her oars lightly in the water, Georgeguiding the canoe beneath the forest overhanging the pebbly shore. 

Thus far his education had been a struggle. Time which his mates employedin recreation he had used in the steel mill. Thus he gained a trade and aknowledge of the value of time. Early he had learned that knowledge ispower and that intellect and wealth rule the world. He told Gertrude thatshe had kindled within him the spark of ambition, and that he proposed tomake life a success. "Gertrude, you must be my friend in this struggle, "he added. 

"Yes, George, always your friend, " she replied. 

He felt that Gertrude meant all she said. Long ago her sincerity hadcaptured his heart. Her sympathy, her unselfishness, and her words ofhelpfulness had been the light by which he was shaping his course. 

Another school year went by swiftly, and both Lucille and Gertrude werepresent in June at Troy to see George Ingram graduate. It was a pity thathis own father and mother, who had sacrificed so much for him, could notattend. How often his noble mother had prayed for her first-born son, andGertrude had prayed too, but George did not know this. 

At times he was conscious of a strong force within, impelling himforward, whose source he could not divine, neither could he free himselffrom it. Fortunate person whose sails are filled with breezes fromheaven, for craft of this kind go forward guided rightly, almost withoutthe rudder's aid!

George pursued at the institute a three years' course, leading up to thedegree of Bachelor of Science. After the first two years he took lesshigher mathematics and more natural history, chemistry, and geology. Theinstitute is within easy access of engineering works and manufacturingplants of great diversity, which afforded young Ingram opportunities forvaluable investigation and observation. His graduating thesis wasentitled, "A Design for an Electrical Steel Plant with Working Details, Capacity One Thousand Tons per Diem. " It was much complimented, especially the detail drawings for the plant. 

His books and clothes had been packed and shipped to Harrisville. Reluctant good-byes were given to all the professors, class-mates, andmany townspeople, who were fond of him. Life in Troy had been a constantinspiration, for he was in touch with young men from cultivated familieswhich in itself is an education. George had the usual experience of thestudent world, for to him all the professors were very learned men. 

After George had locked the door of his old study-room to go to thetrain, he stopped in the hallway in serious thought, then turning backhe unlocked the door and again entered the dear old rooms. He reseatedhimself at the desk, where he had so often studied far into the night. He took another look into the bedroom, into the little store-room, andpleasant memories crowded his mind, as for the last time he gazed fromthe window towards the Berkshire Hills, beyond which Gertrude wasbeing educated, and then as he finally re-locked the door, he recalledhis afternoon engagement to meet Gertrude and Lucille at 4:30 o'clock atthe Albany station to take the Boston & Chicago Special for Harrisville. 

George had entered the institute with a light heart and much zest, because three years of progressive work were marked out for him. Hismental journey had now ended and his heart was heavy. No road openedbefore him except the one that led back to the dingy old Harrisvillemills. In the last three years his sky had lifted a little, but theintelligence gained only made him all the more conscious of the smallworld in which he and his family lived. How was he ever to earn a livingfor two, if Gertrude should possibly say "yes?"

Just as he put his foot on the platform of the railway station a letterwas placed in his hand by a fellow classmate. The envelope bore theprinted address of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. George, thinking theletter was from his father, instantly tore it open and began reading. Atfirst his face flushed and then it was lit with joy. 

"Good tidings, I hope, " said Gertrude, as she with her sister approached. 

"Yes, Gertrude, read for yourself. A friend at court is a friend indeed. "

The two sisters were delighted and heartily congratulated George. "Ofcourse, you will accept the position?" inquired Gertrude. 

"Your father, Gertrude, is very kind to me, and I believe I could fillsatisfactorily the position of chemist now offered by the steel company. Later, Gertrude, we can talk this matter over. " Three happy young peoplebought tickets for home and took seats in a Pullman car. 

After a week's rest, George Ingram assumed the duties of assistantchemist for the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Two weeks' initiation by theold chemist, whose health was failing, sufficed to give young Ingramefficiency and confidence in his desirable position. 

CHAPTER XI

IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

The school vacation of the Harris young ladies came and went on wings. The mother was too ill to leave her home; she stood in her door-way, andgave her farewell, "God keep and bless you, children!" The father hadgone to Chicago, so George Ingram saw the daughters off touchingGertrude's hand, with a hearty good-bye as she stood in the car door. 

As George returned slowly to his task at the steel mills, he resolved touse his evenings in post-graduate work. The more he studied iron ores andsteel-making, the more he felt that he must conquer the whole intricatesubject, if he would be of greatest service to his employers. The intensecompetition in the trade demanded it. 

The Empire State Express, the fastest train in the world, carriedGertrude and Lucille through New York state with speed and ease todelightful New England. Secretly Gertrude loved George, and sheresolved to study chemistry and electricity and keep pace with hisstudies, and if ever asked to become his wife, to aid him in everypossible way. She thought that she discovered in him the material fora noble man, a statue which she hoped to chisel. Too often marriageableyoung women and their anxious mothers demand the complete statue at theoutset, and are not content to accept and chisel granite. 

At Smith College the months sped rapidly, as earnest study and brightexpectations occupied Gertrude's time and satisfied her heart. Every weekbrought a letter and a reply was promptly sent. George wanted to writetwice a week, but Gertrude checked him, saying that both needed theirtime, and that too frequent correspondence, like too much intimacy, oftenbrings disfavor. 

"More details of the doings at the steel mills, " wrote Gertrude. Shecared more about the welfare of her father's employees and their familiesand George Ingram's plans than to know the latest fad in society. Georgewas equally anxious to keep her informed, and to learn of herintellectual advancement, what books she read, and her views on theleading topics of the day. 

Her first letter began, "My Coatless Friend, " a reference to the loss ofa linen coat or duster, when the last ride at Harrisville was taken. Thesecond letter began "Friend George, " and the third, "My dear Friend. "Gertrude and George never addressed each other twice alike in theirwhole correspondence. The weekly letters were always torn open by each inhaste, and both noticed a gradual increase of warmth in these addresses. The fact that Gertrude was an heiress neither hindered nor helped hisdevotion. His heart was attracted by her many charms. 

At Smith College Gertrude occupied rooms in the Morris Cottage among theapple tree blossoms. Much of her spare time was spent in the scientificlibrary and laboratory of Lilly Hall, or with the professor and histelescope in the observatory. 

On clear nights, aided by the telescope, Gertrude gazed into theimmensity of space, whispering sometimes to her own soul, "How grand thisvast world-making, this frightful velocity of the giant dynamos in theirelliptical pathways through space!"

Often unable to sleep, she continued her thoughts and wondered if spacewere not interlaced with electrical currents that move the earth, thesister planets, and the myriads of suns and their planets. She thoughtshe saw, as never before, the necessity for an eternal existence of themind, if God is to be studied and known in his infinite variety. 

Four years in college had developed Gertrude into a beautiful character. Regular work in the gymnasium, much outdoor exercise, and care as toventilation in her rooms, especially at night, had kept her in perfectphysical health. Her intimates shared her glow of vitality, for herpresence at "Lawn, or Character Teas, " at tennis-courts, or atbasket-ball always brought sunshine and enthusiasm. 

The Saturday before commencement, her mother and Lucille came to enjoythe charming festivities of Smith College. A representation of Racine's"Athalie, " with Mendelssohn's music, was the evening attraction at theAcademy of Music, which the class had rented for the occasion. 

Groups of ushers, with white satin wands, conducted students in tastefuldresses, and invited guests to their seats. When the curtain rose it wasdifficult to decide which one most admired, the stage with its artisticsetting, its young faces, sweet voices, and graceful movements, or thesympathetic audience of students and their friends. The stage and pressof the future guided in part by college-bred men and women will preach, it is hoped, purity, truth, and the beautiful. 

Mrs. Harris and Lucille were very happy that Gertrude was to graduate, and Lucille who had just finished her education in Boston, half regrettedthat she too had not entered a woman's college. Gertrude never lookedmore beautiful than she did in the white-robed procession, as, onBaccalaureate Sunday, the several classes passed down the aisles of thechurch. 

George Ingram had hurried to Northampton to see Gertrude graduate. Shemet him at the station, and took his hand warmly in both of hers. Georgehad brought from New York a box of white roses for her room, and a bigbunch of the star-flower, the pretty English blue forget-me-not. He alsohad in his valise a tiny case of which he made no mention to anybody. 

Hundreds of young women in white walked across the campus and were massedon the college steps for their Ivy Exercise. Never before was George soproud of Gertrude. She and Nellie Nelson, afterwards Mrs. Eastlake, hadbeen chosen by the class for their beauty and sweet ways to head theprocession of the white-gowned graduates. The evening of Class-day is afitting close of the gay festivities at Smith College. 

At the evening reception, George was introduced to many of Gertrude'sclass-mates, and some of her intimate friends whispered, "Mr. Ingram andGertrude must be engaged! What a handsome pair they will make. " Georgeoffered his arm to Gertrude, and they walked about the campus under theclassical trees that glowed with hundreds of colored paper lanterns;everywhere a throng of pretty happy girls with their relatives andfriends. Music by the glee clubs on the college steps, and refreshments, closed pleasantly Gertrude's last night of college life on the beautifulConnecticut. 

She went to bed tired, but very happy. That evening her mother and sisterhad left for New York, and in the morning she and George were to spendthe day at Mt. Holyoke. Twice in the night, Gertrude awoke, looked at herwatch, and longed for daylight, and then went back to dream of flowersand music. 

While she slept, warm southern breezes spread a coverlet of silver graymist over the homes of energy and thrift up and down the ConnecticutValley. In the morning when Gertrude opened the blinds, and saw the fogagainst the window panes and over the valley, she exclaimed, "It is toobad, I so wanted George to drive to Mt. Holyoke to-day, and see nature ather best! I hoped this would be the happiest day of my life. "

It was a quarter to 8 o'clock when a pair of spirited black roadsters, hitched to a buckboard, were driven in front of the hotel for GeorgeIngram. As he appeared on the porch he looked every inch a gentleman. He was twenty-five years old, had received a practical education, and wasfilling acceptably the important position of assistant chemist of theHarrisville Iron & Steel Co. , to which, six months before, he had beenpromoted. He had fine physique, dark hair and eyes, and a militarybearing that made him the natural commander of men. His firmness, tempered with great kindness of heart, always won for him the respectof both men and women. 

He handled the team with skill for he was a member of the driving club athome. At a college window sat Gertrude who was eagerly watching for him, and now she ran down the gravel walk with a sunny face, greeting hermanly lover with such sweet voice and grace, that a college girl inpassing whispered to her companion. "Look, Bessie, there are true andhandsome lovers such as we read about in novels, but seldom meet. "

Gertrude insisted, since the fog was lifting, that George should hitchhis horses and for five minutes go with her up on the college tower. Asthey looked out, Gertrude said, "Here, George, on the west are our halfdozen cozy college houses; on the smooth green lawn below you see ourtennis-courts, and an abundance of shade. 

"Now, George, turn to the east and see how kindly the sun has removed themist and made for us a glorious day. How bright the colors in our flagthat floats over the high school yonder! There stands the Soldiers'Memorial Hall, the Edwards Church with graceful spire, and across thegreen meadows, with its winding stream of silver, rise the ranges of Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke, outlined in curves against the blue sky. "

"Beautiful!" responded George, "and yet, Gertrude, nothing in nature ishalf so lovely as your own dear self. " Without warning he kissed her rosycheek, her whole face changing to crimson as she said, "George, we mustbe going. "

Two happy young souls drove away from Smith College out under the Gothicelms, where the birds were mating and building their nests. The plan forthe day was to drive to the mountain, and follow the mother and sister onthe evening express to New York. The hotel clerk had pointed out the bestroad to Mt. Holyoke, and following his directions they drove southeast, leaving behind them shady Northampton, Smith College, and delightfulmemories of Jonathan Edwards, George Bancroft, and others. 

A single white parasol was quite enough to protect two lovers from thesun's rays. Circular shadows, photographs of the sun, frolicked with eachother in the roadway as gentle breezes swayed the overhanging boughs. 

Milk wagons with noisy cans were returning home, herds of black and whiteHolstein-Friesian cattle, famous for their yield of milk, were croppingsweet grasses in the pastures. Farmers were guiding their cultivators andmowing machines, while wives and daughters were shelling June peas, hulling strawberries, and preparing for dinner. The large white houses, with roomy barns in the shade of big elms, were the happy homes offreemen. Gertrude wanted the horses to walk more, but George wasunwilling to take the dust of wagons returning from the market, sohe kept the horses moving at a brisk pace. 

At length the Hockanum Ferry with its odd device was reached. George gotout and led the horses into the middle of the small river craft. Then theboat was pushed off and a strong man and boy pulled at the wire rope. Theferryman's shanty, the willows, and tangled driftwood on the shore, fastreceded, and soon the middle of the Connecticut River was reached, wherethe current is swiftest. In sight were several canoes with light sails, scudding before the wind. It seemed as if the tiny rope of the ferrywould break, but the rope is of steel wire and the boat moved slowly tillthe opposite bank was reached. Gertrude held the lines, the sun shiningfull in her face, and talked to the boatman, to George, and the horses, but George said little as he was busy quieting the excited animals andstudying the primitive rope-ferry. 

To the regular ferrage, Gertrude added a dime for Tim, the helper, whowatered the horses. As George was about to start his team, a twelve-yearold farm boy ran aboard the boat with a string of fine speckled troutstrung on a willow twig. All the spring the boy's anticipations for"a day off" had now been fully realized. Since daylight the little fellowhad tramped up and down the brook, his feet were bruised and sore, andhis face and hands were bitten by mosquitos. But what of that? He hadcaught a string of fine fish and was happy. Gertrude, for a silverdollar, bought the trout, and the boy danced with joy. 

It was half past eleven before the Half-way Station up the mountain wasreached, and the steep ascent to Prospect House on the top of Mt. Holyokewas made by the car on the inclined railway. The morning ride and thethought of a dinner of brook trout on the mountain had sharpened theappetites of the lovers. George and Gertrude needed but a singleannouncement of dinner from the clerk to make them hasten for seats at soinviting a meal. They sat near an open window, and never did they enjoy adinner more. College work was now over, and on the threshold of life, apart from the busy world in sight below, two souls could plan andconfide in each other. As the two walked the broad porch, a panoramaunfolded before them of almost unsurpassed beauty. 

Charles Sumner who, in 1847, stood on Mt. Holyoke, said, "I have neverseen anything so unsurpassingly lovely as this. " He had traveled throughthe Highlands of Scotland, up and down the Rhine, had ascended MontBlanc, and stood on the Campagna in Rome. Gertrude with her college mateshad often climbed Mt. Holyoke, and she was very familiar with thismasterpiece of nature in western Massachusetts. So she described thegrand landscape to her lover who sat enchanted with the scene before him. 

"This alluvial basin, " she said, "is twenty miles in length and fifteenin width, and is enclosed by the Mt. Holyoke and Mt. Tom ranges, and theabrupt cones of Toby and Sugar Loaf, while the Green Mountains lie to thenorth, whence the rich soils have been brought by thousands of vernalfloods. Grove-like masses of elms mark well the townships of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton, Hatfield, Williamsburg andWhately, Hadley, Amherst, Leverett and Sunderland. 

"In twelve miles, the Connecticut River turns four times to the east andthree times to the west, forming the famous 'Ox-Bow. '

"This beautiful river receives its life from springs in adjacent forestsand mountains, and, forcing a passage between Mt. Holyoke and Mt. Nonotuck, flows far south into Long Island Sound. Its banks are fringedwith a tanglewood of willows, shrubs, trees, and clambering vines. Bordering on the Connecticut River and near thrifty towns are thousandsof acres of rich meadows and arable lands, without fence, which areinterspersed with lofty trees and orchards and covered with exquisiteverdure. 

"These countless farms seen from this mountain top resemble garden plots, distinguishable from each other by vegetation varying in tints from thedark green of the maize to the brilliant gold of barley, rye, and oats. Over the billowy grain, cloud shadows chase each other as if in play. Grazing herds are on every hillside and in all the valleys. "

Gertrude's words were music to George's ear. Her voice and themagnificent landscape charmed him. When released from the spell he said, "Yes, dear, you have this day hung a never-to-be-forgotten picture in mymemory. I shall always remember the arching elms, white gables, collegetowers, and spires pointing heavenward that mark the towns in thishistoric and lovely intervale. I seem to hear far off sounds of busypeople, thrifty mills, and successful railways. These reveal the secretof New England's power at home and abroad. The greatness of this peoplesprings from their respect for, and practice of, the virtues so longtaught in their schools and churches; viz. , honesty, industry, economy, love of liberty, and belief in God. Here can be found inspirations forpoet, painter, and sculptor. "

How glorious the picture as the two young lovers looked out upon theworld of promise! It was well thus, for much too soon in life, humanityexperiences the same old story of unsatisfied ambitions and wearystruggles after the unattainable. 

Thus a happy summer afternoon was enjoyed till the sun hid his facebehind the western hills. Clouds floated low on the horizon, revealingbehind the gold and purple to ambitious souls the indistinct outlinesof a gorgeous temple of fame; and birds of rich plumage among themountain foliage were lulled to sleep by their own sweet songs. 

"Life without Gertrude, " thought George, "would prove a failure. " Thentaking her white hand in his, he whispered, "I love you, dearest, withall my heart, and you must be my wife. "

"George, " she replied, "in a thousand ways you have shown it. I haveknown your heart ever since we studied together at the high school. Myown life has been ennobled by contact with yours. " Her voice and handtrembled as she added, "Yes, George, my life and happiness I gladlyplace in your sacred keeping, and I promise purity and loyalty foreternity. "

Then George opened the little case which he had brought from New York, and gave Gertrude a ring containing two diamonds and a ruby, whichsurprised and delighted her. She placed it on her first finger, saying, "George, we will advance this crystal pledge to the third finger justas soon as we get the consent of father and mother. "

Gertrude had found on a former trip some purple crystals on themountainside, and had had two unique emblems of their love made in NewYork City. George pinned upon Gertrude a gold star set with a purpleamethyst, a tiny cross and a guard chain being attached, and she gaveGeorge a gold cross set with an amethyst, the guard pin being a tiny starand chain. Before midnight the two happy lovers had joined the mother andLucille in New York, and at the close of the week all had returned toHarrisville. 

CHAPTER XII

THE STRIKE AT HARRISVILLE

Labor strikes are terribly disagreeable things to encounter whether inthe daily routine of steel mills and railways, or in the kitchen beforebreakfast on blue Monday. Especially inconvenient are strikes in steelmills when the order books are full as were those of the Harrisville Iron& Steel Co. That the company had large orders could not possibly beconcealed. Vast quantities of ore, limestone, and coke were beingdelivered daily at the mills. Never were more men on the pay-roll, andall the machinery of the gigantic plant was crowded to its utmost nightand day. That business had improved was evident to everybody. 

In love and war all things are fair, and the same principle, or lack ofit, seems to control most modern strikes. No doubt what young AlfonsoHarris told his mother on the steamer was true, that the labor agitatorswere advised of Reuben Harris's plan to sell the steel plant to anEnglish syndicate. Souls of corporations decrease as the distance betweenlabor and capital increases, and naturally American employees opposeforeign control of every kind. 

For more than a year the employees had accepted reduced wages with theunderstanding that the old scale should be restored by the company assoon as times improved and the business warranted. That the employees hadtimed their strike at an opportune moment was apparent even to stubbornReuben Harris. It was galling indeed to his sensitive nature and proudspirit that his project of selling the steel plant for millions shouldhave failed. 

As he kissed his wife good-bye on the steamer in New York, her lastwords were, "Reuben, stand up for your rights. " Her avaricious spirithad always dominated him. 

Before Reuben Harris left his city office for his home he had arranged, in addition to the precaution taken by the mayor, to dispatch to themills and homes of his employees twenty-five special detectives incitizens' clothes, who were to keep him fully advised as to the doingsof his employees about the mills and in their public and privatemeetings. He had given his men no concessions in a previous strike whichlasted for months. He would neither recognize their unions nor theirdemand for shorter hours. 

It was true he had risen to be a millionaire from the humble position ofa blacksmith, but he was always severe in his own shop. Every horse mustbe shod, and every tire set in his own way. He heated, hammered, andtempered steel just as he liked, and if anybody objected he replied, "Goelsewhere then. " To have one's own way in life is often an expensiveluxury. In his first great mill strike Colonel Harris lost most of hisskilled labor and the profits of half a year. His own hands and those ofJames Ingram became callous in breaking in new employees. 

Gertrude had arrived on the evening of the third day of the strike, andhad busied herself in unpacking her trunk. She knew her father too wellto talk much to him about the strike. While waiting in the drawing-roomfor her father, knowing that George was too busy to come to her, she hadwritten to her lover as follows:--

 At Home

 _My Darling George_, --

 I wish you were here safe by my side. How I hate strikes, they are so like a family quarrel on the front porch. Everybody looks on in pity, husband and wife calling each other names, and breaking the furniture, and innocent little children fleeing to the neighbors for protection. Strikes are simply horrid. Can't you stop it? Labor and capital are like bears in a pit with sharpened teeth tearing each other's flesh. Of what use is our so-called civilization if it permits such brutal scenes? George, the lion in father is again aroused. There is no telling what he will do this time. 

 It was cruel of the employees to stop his sale to the English syndicate. Something terrible is going to happen. I feel it. I dreamed about it last night before I left Niagara. You must counsel moderation. I am so glad mother is not here to counsel severity. In the morning I shall put my hand on father's arm, and say, "Father, I have been praying for God to help you. "

 I read in the _Evening Dispatch_ that the employees claimed an increase of their pay because promised by the company when times improved; that the company now flatly refused to restore the old wages; that the mayor of the city had sent fifty policemen to guard the mills, and that the 4000 employees in an enthusiastic public meeting had resolved to continue the strike. 

 George, you are in a very trying position. The company of course depends on your loyalty, and the employees also have great confidence in your fairness. What can you do? If disloyal to the Company, you lose your position. What more can I do, except to pray!

 Above all, my dear, be loyal to your conscience and do right. Be just. Come and see me at your earliest possible moment. 

 Your own loving

 Gertrude. 

Gertrude's brave letter reached George before ten o'clock the nextmorning, and greatly cheered him. He was never more occupied, but hesnatched a moment to say in reply:

 Office of The Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. 

 _Dearest Peacemaker_, --

 Glad for your heroic letter. It sings the peace-song of the angels. I shall be guarded in my words and actions. Good things, I hope, will result from all this terrible commotion. I confess I see only darkness ahead, save as it is pierced by the light of your love. 

 We have a thousand men this morning building a fence eight feet high around our works. It looks like war to the knife under the present policy. Of course I can't say much till my opportunity comes, if it ever does. 

 Believe me, darling Gertrude, Wholly yours, George. 

The note was dispatched by special messenger. Its receipt and contentsgave comfort to Gertrude. 

Colonel Harris left his breakfast table almost abruptly. One egg, a pieceof toast, and a cup of coffee were all he ate. It was an earlier mealthan usual which the Swiss cook had prepared, and by half past sixColonel Harris started from home to his office, Gertrude from her chamberwindow kissing her hand to him, saying, "Keep cool, father!"

By seven o'clock he and his capable manager were busily using the twooffice telephones. Before nine o'clock, all the teams of several lumberfirms were engaged in hauling fence posts, two by four scantling, andsufficient sixteen foot boards to construct a fence eight feet high aboutthe entire premises of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. 's plant. 

This early action of the company for a time confused the strike managers, as they could not divine whether Colonel Harris in a fit of despairplanned to fence in and close down his mills, or, perhaps, once gettinghis plant enclosed, purposed to eject all members of labor organizations, and again as in a former strike, attempt to start his plant withnon-union labor. 

The leader of the strike was a brawny man with full beard, unkempt hair, and a face far from attractive. "Captain O'Connor, " as the labor lodgesknew him, was the recognized leader of the strike. He was not an employeeat the steel mills, but an expert manager of strikes, receiving a goodsalary, and employed by the officers of the central union. At 2:30o'clock a secret meeting of the officers of the several labor lodges andCaptain O'Connor was held behind closed doors. All were silent, whensuddenly O'Connor rose and began to denounce capital, charging it withthe robbery of honest labor. 

"Behold labor, " he said, "stripped to the waist, perspiring at every porein the blinding heat of molten iron, shooting out hissing sparks. Pleasures for you laborers are banished; your wives and children aredressed in cheap calicoes; no linen or good food on your tables, and mostof you are in debt. "

This and more Captain O'Connor said in excited language. Finally heshouted, "Slaves, will you tamely submit to all this indignity and notresent it? The managers of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Are tyrantsof the worst sort. They are fencing you out to-day from the only field onwhich you can gain bread for your starving wives and children. 

"Reuben Harris cares more for his gold than for your souls. Since yourefuse him your labor on his own terms, he purposes by aid of the highfence and bayonets to forbid every one of you union men from earning anhonest living. "

The strike committee decided to call a public meeting of all theemployees of the steel works on the base-ball grounds at 7 o'clockthe next morning. All the saloons that night were crowded, and louddenunciation of capital was indulged in by the strike leaders. Early thenext morning a band of music marched up and down the streets where theemployees resided, and by 7 o'clock nearly four thousand men hadgathered. 

The chief spokesman was Captain O'Connor whose words evoked greatcheering. He said, "Friends, we meet this morning to strike for ourfreedom. How do you like being fenced out from your work? What will yourfamilies do for a roof when the snows come and you have no bread for yourchildren? We are assembled here not for talk, but for action. I hold inmy hand a resolution which we must pass. Let me read it: 'Resolved, thatwe, the employees of The Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. , having been drivenout of our positions by a soulless corporation which promised a return toformer wages when the times improved, will not re-engage our services tothe Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Till the promised restoration of wagesis granted. " This resolution was unanimously carried, with hurrahs andbeating of the drums. 

"Bravo men! Here is another resolution for your action, " and CaptainO'Connor read it as follows: "American citizens! In the spirit ofbrotherly love we appeal to you citizens and taxpayers of Harrisvillefor fair play. Four years ago the employees of the Harrisville Iron &Steel Co. Bowed before the law, and we should continue to do so had wenot discovered that the law, the judges, and the government seem to befor the rich alone. But we prefer liberty to slavery, and war tostarvation. Again we lay down our tools and seek to arouse publicsympathy in our behalf. Again we plead the righteousness of our cause, and may the God of the poor help us. "

This resolution was carried with shouts and the throwing up of hats. Theband began playing, and the procession headed by Captain O'Connor and hisassistants moved forward. 

A third of the sober-minded of the employees soon dropped out of theprocession, while three thousand or more, many of them foreigners, wereonly too glad to escape the everyday serfdom of a steel plant. All werearmed with clubs and stones. When O'Connor from the hill-top looked backupon the mob that filled the street down into the valley and far up theopposite hill, his courage for a moment failed him. 

"What shall I do with this vast army?" he said to himself. Just thenthe employees made a rush for the company's furnaces by the riverside, filling the yards and approaches, shouting "Bank the fires! Down withcapital!"

The big engines were stopped and the furnaces were left to cool. Frightened faces of women and children filled the door-ways and windowsof the many little brown houses on the hillside. Success emboldened thestrikers whose numbers were now greatly augmented. Again the band playedand the strike managers shouted, "Forward!"

The route taken was along an aristocratic avenue where the wealthyresided. Windows and doors were suddenly closed, and the terrifiedoccupants forgot their riches, their diamonds, and their fine dress, and thought only of safety. Vulcans of the steel works, each armed witha club, occupied the avenue for two miles. Evidences of hunger andvengeance were in their faces and sadly worn garments were on theirbacks. 

Prominent citizens now hurried to the mayor's office, where the chiefexecutive was found in conference with some of the labor leaders. Themayor was told that unless he acted promptly in restoring peace andprotecting property, a citizens' committee of safety would be organized, that he would be placed under arrest, and the mob driven back. At oncethe mayor sent one hundred policemen in patrol wagons in pursuit of therioters. The latter had already battered down the great doors of thescrew-works, and hundreds of employees, men, women, and children, weredriven out of the factory. The president of the company was beaten intoinsensibility. Adjacent nail works were ordered to close and allemployees were driven into the streets. Finally, near night, the strikerswere subdued by platoons of police and forced to return to their homes. 

The mayor issued his riot act, which was printed in all the eveningpapers and read as follows:

 TO THE CITIZENS OF HARRISVILLE AND THE PUBLIC GENERALLY. 

 In the name of the people of the State of Ohio, I, David A. Duty, Mayor of the City of Harrisville, do hereby require all persons within the limits of the City to refrain from unnecessary assemblies in the streets, squares, or in public places of the City during its present disturbed condition, and until quiet is restored, and I hereby give notice that the police have been ordered, and the militia requested to disperse any unlawful assemblies. I exhort all persons to assist in the observance of this request. 

 David A. Duty. 

 _Mayor. _

The mayor telegraphed to the governor for troops. The governor respondedpromptly, and ordered the First Brigade to be in readiness, and to reportat 5 A. M. Next morning in Harrisville, with rifles, cannon, Gatling andHotchkiss guns and ammunition. Orderlies went flying through the citywith summons that must be obeyed. The signal corps flashed their greenand red lights from the tower to distant armories. Ambulance corpshastened their preparation, packing saws, knives, lint, and bandages. 

Imperative orders from general to colonels, to majors, to captains, tocorporals tracked the militia men to their homes, and to their placesof amusement. By midnight every military organization in Harrisville wasunder arms. The general with his staff was at his headquarters and readyfor action. 

Before sunset Colonel Harris had his steel mills enclosed by a highfortress-fence; many agents were dispatched to other cities to advertisefor, and contract with, skilled labor for his mills. On his way home, hecalled again on the mayor, also at brigade headquarters, and satisfiedhimself that his property would be protected. In forty-eight hours fivehundred new workmen had arrived, and in squads of from twenty-five tofifty they were coming in on every train. 

Colonel Harris, experienced in strikes, knew just what to do. A greatwarehouse in the board enclosure was converted into barracks and suppliedwith beds, and kitchens, and an old army quartermaster was placed incharge. The new men on arrival were taken under escort of the soldiersto the barracks, and were rapidly set to work under loyal foremen. 

In a single week Colonel Harris had secured over fifteen hundred new men. Smoke-stacks were again pouring forth huge volumes of smoke. The renewedand familiar hum of machinery was audible beyond the high board fence. This activity in the mills was to the old employees like a red flagflaunted before an enraged bull. Inflammatory speeches were the orderof the hour. It was three o'clock on the eighth day of the strike, whenthree thousand of the old employees left their halls and marched directlyto the steel mills. Hundreds of women and children joined the longprocession. 

The strike leaders in advance carried the American flag, and their bandplayed the "Star Spangled Banner. " Most of the men, and some of thewomen, carried clubs and stones. Radicals concealed red flags and pistolswithin their coats. Detectives reported by telephone the threateningattitude of the strikers to Colonel Harris at his home, to Manager Thomasat the mills, and to the mayor who ordered more police in patrol wagonsto proceed immediately to the steel works. Following the police rode theHarrisville Troop, one hundred strong. Gertrude would not let her fathergo to the steel plant, so he sat by the telephone in his own house. 

Captain Crager in charge of the fifty police on guard in and around thesteel plant at once concentrated his force at the great gateway leadinginto the fenced enclosure. His men were formed in three platoons, thereserve platoon being stationed fifty feet in the rear. Captain Cragerhimself took position in the center of the first line. He had time onlyfor a few words to his men. "The city expects each policeman to do hisduty. No one is to use his revolver till he sees me use mine. Standshoulder to shoulder, use your clubs, and defend the gateway. "

Probably not one of his fifty men had ever read of the 300 Spartan heroesat Thermopylæ, who for three days held at bay the Persian army of fivemillions. To pit fifty policemen against three thousand enraged strikerswas too great odds. Captain Crager's orders were "to defend theproperty of the steel company. " The reserve police force and troops enroute might or might not reach him in time. The strikers purposed drivingout of the mills all the non-union men, and taking possession. Nearercame the mob, determined to rule or ruin, O'Connor in the lead holdingthe Stars and Stripes. The last fifty feet of approach to the gateway, the mob planned to cover by a rush. On they came swinging their clubsand filling the air with stones. 

Captain Crager and his platoons used their short iron-wood clubsvigorously. The strikers' flag was captured. O'Connor fell bleeding. Right and left, heads and limbs were broken. Women screamed and strongmen turned pale. The whole mob was soon stampeded and the rioters fledlike animals before a prairie fire. Those strikers who looked back sawthe approach of more patrol wagons loaded with police, heard the clatterof horses' hoofs, and the heavy rumbling of artillery, and they knew thatthe city's reserve forces had arrived. A battery of Gatling guns at oncewheeled into a strategic position. The police and troop occupied pointsof advantage, and soon the victory was complete. 

Within thirty days over four thousand employees, mostly new men, were atwork in the steel mills. Policemen and detectives, however, were stillkept on duty. Colonel Harris was frequently congratulated on his secondtriumph, and orders for steel rails were again being rapidly filled. 

Most of the strike leaders left the city, some threatening dire revenge. Many of the employees, who had lost their situations, were alreadysearching for work elsewhere. All who were behind in their payments ofrents due the company, were served with notices of evictment, as thetenements were needed for the new employees. Wives and children werecrying for bread. In sixty days labor had lost by the strike over twohundred and fifty thousand dollars, and capital even more. 

 * * * * *

It was in August. The moon had set beyond the blue lake, and the myriadlights of heaven were hung out, as George and Gertrude alighted fromtheir carriage in front of Colonel Harris's residence. They had been tothe Grand Opera House, where they had witnessed Shakespeare's "MidsummerNight's Dream, " beautifully played by Julia Marlowe and her company. Between the acts, George and Gertrude talked much of the strike, of labortroubles in general, and earnestly discussed the possible remedies. 

Reuben Harris, who had awaited their return, hearing the carriage driveup, extended a cordial welcome. His hand was on the knob of the frontdoor, which stood half open, when the sky above the steel mills suddenlybecame illuminated and deafening reports of explosions followed. Thedoor, held by Harris, was slammed by the concussion against the wall, theglass in the windows rattled on the floor, the ground trembled, Harrisseized George's arm for support, and Gertrude's face was blanched withfear. Fire and smoke in great volumes were now seen rising above thesteel plant. 

George ran to the telephone, but before he could shout "Exchange, " a callcame for Colonel Harris from his night superintendent, who announced thatthe engines and batteries of boilers had been blown up, and that all themills were on fire. The chief of police telephoned that he had sent onehundred more police to the mills; the chief of the fire departmenttelephoned that ten steamers had been dispatched. George dropped thetelephone, kissed Gertrude, and on the back of her Kentucky saddle horseflew into the darkness to direct matters at the mills as best he could. 

The next morning's _Dispatch_ contained two full pages, headed, "The Deadly Dynamite!

 Frightful Loss of Life, and Destruction of Property at The Harrisville Iron & Steel Plant. 

 "One hundred employees were killed outright, and hundreds more were wounded. All the mills were either burned or wrecked. Many women and children were also injured. Five hundred tenement houses were damaged, and the windows of most of the buildings within a half mile of the mills were badly broken. "

Next morning the citizens of Harrisville were wild with excitement. Ringing editorials appeared in all the morning and evening journalsdeclaring that "Lawlessness is anarchy, " and that "Law and order mustprevail. "

CHAPTER XIII

TRIAL OF ANARCHY AND RESULTS

George Ingram had scarcely disappeared in the darkness, when ColonelHarris fully comprehending the terrible situation at his works telephonedthe exchange to summon at once to his mills every physician and ambulancein the city. 

The Colonel then ordered his carriage, and taking Gertrude, rapidlydrove to the scene of the disaster. Great crowds had gathered, but thepolicemen, and the Harrisville Troop, already had established lines aboutthe burning steel mills, beyond which the people were not permitted topass. The police and fire departments were doing all in their power tosave life and property. 

Colonel Harris drove directly towards his office at the mills, but thishe could not reach as policemen guarded every approach. The two storybrick office had been completely wrecked by a huge piece of one of thefly-wheels, that had fallen through the roof. 

The night watchman whose duty it was to enter the office hourly waskilled, and his bleeding body was now being moved to a temporary morgue, which had been established in an adjoining old town-hall. Already overfifty mangled forms had been brought in and laid in rows on the floor, and more dead workmen were arriving every moment. 

The mayor and Colonel Harris were everywhere directing what to do. Scoresof the wounded were hurried in ambulances to a large Catholic Church, animprovised hospital. Here were sent physicians, volunteer nurses, beds, and blankets. Fortunately the seats in the church, being movable, werequickly carried into the streets, and on beds and blankets the sufferingmen were placed, and an examination of each wounded person was beingmade. Names and addresses were taken by the reporters, and ambulancesbegan to remove the severely injured to the city hospitals. 

Colonel Harris left Gertrude to minister to the wounded in the church, and sought out Wilson his manager, and George Ingram. Everybody workedtill daylight. Many wounded and dead men, and women and children werebrought up to the morgue and hospitals from the wrecked tenements thatstood near the exploded mills. Several bodies of the dead workmen, andthe wounded who could not escape from the burning works were consumed. When the sun rose on that dreadful scene, thousands of workmen and theirfamilies and tens of thousands of sympathizers witnessed in silence theawful work of anarchists. At daylight Colonel Harris rode with George andGertrude home to breakfast. 

In the evening press a call for a public meeting at 8 o'clock nextmorning of the prominent citizens resulted in the forming of an emergencycommittee of one hundred earnest men and women to furnish aid to theafflicted and needy work-people. The most influential people ofHarrisville were enrolled on this committee, which to be more thoroughlyeffective was subdivided. Every house occupied by the mill-people wasvisited, and every injured person was cared for. 

The women on the committee visited the hospitals and for a time becamenurses ministering to every want. Money and abundance of food were alsocontributed, and such kindness on the part of the rich the work-peoplehad never known before. 

The evening papers gave the authoritative statement that the totalnumber of those killed outright by the explosions at the steel mills wasone hundred and twenty-seven. Of this number eighty-six were workmen, fourteen were men who lived in the vicinity, but were not employed in themills, ten were women, and seventeen were children. The total number ofwounded was sixty-eight. 

A public funeral was decided upon by the committee. The Harrisville Iron& Steel Co. Sent their check for $5000 to the committee and many otherscontributed money. The time fixed for the public services was Sunday at 2o'clock. Ten separate platforms for the clergy and church choirs of thecity had been erected on the same open fields where the great strikemeetings had so often been held. By 1 o'clock people began to assemble. Workmen came from all parts of the city, till over fifty thousandlaborers with their wives were on the ground. Most wore black crepe ontheir arm. 

Fifteen minutes before 2 o'clock solemn band music gave notice to thecrowd of the approach of an imposing procession. Platoons of police ledthe column who were followed in carriages by the mayor, his cabinet, andthe city council; then another platoon of police, followed by a long lineof hearses, the black plumes of which seemed to wave in unison with thesolemn tread of over a thousand workmen, acting as pall-bearers, walkingin double file on either side of their dead comrades. 

It was some moments before the speaking could begin. By concerted actionall the clergy preached on the "Brotherhood of Mankind, " the text usedbeing, John XV. -12. "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, asI have loved you. " The speakers were moved by the Holy Spirit. Theservices closed with the hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee. "

The funeral procession was several miles in length. Public and privatebuildings along the route to the cemetery were draped with the emblems ofmourning. Twenty-five of the bodies were given private burial. Over onehundred of the victims of the dynamite disaster were buried in one commongrave. Together they had died, and together they were buried. The mantleof charity covered them. 

Soon after the funeral, the press contained an account of a great meetingheld by the surviving workmen of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. , and ofresolutions that were unanimously adopted:--

"Resolved, That we, the surviving workmen of the HarrisvilleIron & Steel Co. , hereby desire to express our deep sympathy with thebereaved families of our late comrades in toil. 

"That further we desire to contribute from the pay-roll due us the wagesreceived for two days' services, the same to be paid to the emergencycommittee, one-half the proceeds of which is to apply to the relief ofthe bereaved workmen's families, the balance to be used for the purposeof erecting suitable monuments over the graves of our unfortunatecomrades. 

"Resolved, That we, employees of the Harrisville Iron & SteelCo. , extend our sympathy to the company in their great financial loss. 

"That we hereby declare ourselves as law-abiding citizens, and that weneither directly, nor indirectly, were connected in any manner with thelate dynamite explosions and fires which destroyed the plant of TheHarrisville Iron & Steel Co. , and we denounce those acts as dastardlyand inimical to the best interest of labor and civilization. "

Following the resolutions were appended the signatures of over fourthousand workmen. It was also voted that the resolutions, and namesattached, should be printed in the press of the city, and that a copyshould be delivered to the president of the steel company. This actionfreed the atmosphere of distrust, and business in Harrisville returnedto its accustomed ways. 

At a meeting of the directors of the Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Itwas voted "Not to rebuild our mills at present. " Manager Wilson wasinstructed at once to so advise the employees, also to dispose of all themanufactured stock and raw material on hand, and to clean up the groundsof the old mill site. 

Colonel Harris remembered the action of Herr Krupp of Germany when aletter once reached him, threatening to destroy with dynamite his vastworks at Essing. Herr Krupp immediately called a meeting of his tens ofthousands of workmen, and read the letter to them, and then said, "Workmen, if this threat is executed, I shall never rebuild. " Thissettled the matter. 

The city council of Harrisville and the county commissioners offeredrewards for the arrest and conviction of the dynamiters. The sum wasincreased to $10, 000 by the steel company, and notices of these rewardswere mailed far and wide. 

By aid of an informer of the band of conspirators, Mike O'Connor andhis confederates were arrested as they were about to embark for SouthAmerica. In the hotly contested trial it was disclosed that O'Connor haddirected the placing of dynamite beneath engines and boilers before thehigh board fence was constructed about the works, that electric wires toignite the dynamite had been laid underground from the mills to an oldunused barn, nearly half a mile distant, and that O'Connor was seen tocome from the barn just after the explosion. Within two months after thearrest, the whole band were convicted and sentenced for life to hardlabor in the penitentiary. 

It was decided that Colonel Harris and Gertrude should soon sail torejoin Mrs. Harris and party in England, and notice of this decision wascabled next day to them at London. The colonel was busy examiningcarefully George Ingram's detailed drawings of a new, enlarged, andmuch improved plan for a huge steel plant. The improvements were to be upto date, and his plans involved an entirely new process of convertingores into steel. It was agreed that George and his father, James Ingram, should perfect their inventions on which both for a long time had beenzealously at work, and that later George and the colonel should make atour of observation of leading iron and steel works in Europe. 

Gertrude was now very happy. The selled together, concerning the properrelations of capital and labor, and since the explosion they studied thequestion more earnestly than ever. Their scheme involved not onlyimproved works in a new location, but also a plan to harmonize, ifpossible, capital and labor, which they hoped might work great good tohumanity. Gertrude told George Ingram that his golden opportunity hadcome, and she resolved to render him all the assistance possible. 

CHAPTER XIV

COLONEL HARRIS FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY ABROAD

Gertrude's receipt for growing oranges in a northern climate was asfollows: Let a child hold a large and a small orange in her hands, andgive away the large orange, and the smaller will begin to grow until, when eaten, it will look bigger and taste sweeter than the large fruitgiven away. "Try it!" Gertrude often said. 

That was the principle by which Gertrude Harris was always acting. If shehad flowers, fruit, books, pretty gifts, or money, her first thoughtalways was, "How can I make somebody happy?" With such a generous soul, part nature's gift and part acquired by self-sacrifice, the life ofGertrude was as buoyant and happy as the birds in a flower garden. 

The decision of Gertrude's father to take her and meet his family inEurope was not known in Harrisville except to a few. Most of thecolonel's friends supposed that he was busy planning some new businessadventure, in which he might employ his surplus capital and his undoubtedbusiness abilities. Because of the recent calamity, and the hardships ofthe employees in connection with their strike, he thought it unwise tomake public mention of his future projects. 

The more Gertrude meditated upon her father's plan, the more dissatisfiedwith herself she became. The idea of going to Europe and leaving Georgebehind was unendurable. He needed rest more than she. True, he was tofollow later, but she wanted him to cross the ocean on the same steamer, and she earnestly desired that the one she loved best should share all ofher enjoyments. It was, perhaps, a test of her love that she constantlylonged to lose herself in him, or better, possibly, to find herself inhim. 

Two days before the date fixed for their sailing, as George left theHarris home, Gertrude was urging him to accompany her and her father, when he ventured to say, "Gertrude, this is what would please meimmensely, take my sister May with you. I will gladly pay her expenses. And when your summer's travel is over, I want May to study music abroad. "

"Capital!" said Gertrude. "Both you and your sister May shall join ourparty. Please don't say another word on the subject, nor tell father, till we meet tomorrow evening, " and she kissed him an affectionategood-night. 

The next evening before the stars shone; Gertrude sat on the piazzaanxiously awaiting him, for she had good news for her lover. Gertrude'swhite handkerchief told him that she recognized his coming, though he wasstill two blocks away. How light and swift the steps of a lover; thoughmiles intervene, they seem but a step. An evening in Gertrude's presencewas for George but a moment. The touch of her hand, the rustle of herdress, and the music of her voice, all, like invisible silken cords, heldhim a willing prisoner. The love he gave and the love he received waslike the mating of birds; like the meeting of long separated and finallyunited souls. 

"George, this is your birthday and the silver crescent moon is filled tothe brim with happiness for you and May. Yesterday I had a long talk withfather, and I asked him to let me stay at home and to take your sisterMay to Europe. What do you think he said, George? Never did my father socorrectly read my heart. He drew me closely to him, and while I sat uponhis knee, said: 'Daughter, I have decided that it is wise, even in theinterests of my business, to take George with us. ' He also said that Imight invite your sister May to go, and that he would pay all theexpenses. Oh, how I kissed him! I never loved my father so much before. Here, George, is a kiss for you. Aren't you glad now, that you, and yoursister May are going with us? No excuses, for you are both going surely. "

"If it is settled, Gertrude, then it is settled, I suppose, but how doyou think May and I can get ready in so short a time to go to Europe?"

"Well, George, you can wear your new business suit, and in the morning, Iwill go with May and buy for her a suitable travelling dress and hat. InEurope we can procure more clothes as they are needed. "

Gertrude was now very happy. The dream of her life was to be realized. She wanted George near her as she traveled, so each could say tothe other, "Isn't it beautiful?" That is half of the pleasure ofsight-seeing. The small orange kept by Gertrude had doubled in size, and she never before retired with so sweet a joy in her soul. That nightshe slept, and her dreams were of smooth seas, her mother, Lucille, andGeorge. 

It is needless to say that May Ingram was overjoyed. She had been fond ofmusic from her childhood, and had given promise of rare talents. She hadtaken lessons for two years in vocal and instrumental music in the bestconservatories in Boston, George paying most of her expenses. For sixyears May had been the soprano singer in the highest paid quartette inHarrisville. Though she occasionally hoped for a musical educationabroad, yet these hopes had all flown away. Her parents could not aidher, and she had resolved not to accept further assistance from hergenerous brother. At first she could not believe what George told her, but when the reality of her good fortune dawned upon her, taking George'shand in both of hers, she pressed it to her lips and fell upon hisshoulder, her eyes flooding with tears. 

"Well, May, " said George, as he kissed her, "can you get ready by noontomorrow?"

"Ready by noon? Ready by daylight, George, if necessary. "

That night was a busy, happy time for the Ingrams. So much of ill-luckhad come to the father, and so much of household drudging to the faithfulmother, that work and sacrifice for the children had ploughed deepfurrows across the faces of both Mr. And Mrs. Ingram. Opportunities foradvancement now opening for their children, both parents found the heavyburdens growing lighter. 

Before sunrise George and May had packed two small trunks, by ten o'clockGertrude and May had made necessary purchases, and the two o'clockexpress quickly bore the second contingent of the Harris family towardsNew York, which was reached the night before their steamer's date ofsailing. 

For some reason, perhaps because the elements of superstition stilllurked in the mind of Colonel Harris, he decided not to stop any more atthe Hotel Waldorf. It had brought him ill-luck, so his party was drivento the tall Hotel Plazza which overlooks the Central Park. 

Fortunately George had inherited a talent for untiring investigationand the power of close observation. His reasoning faculties also wereexcellent. Besides his education, gained in a practical school at Troy, George, with, his father, James Ingram, had made many experiments, mostly after business hours; each experiment was numbered and the variousresults had been carefully noted. Before leaving Harrisville hisinvestigations were all drifting towards great possible changes in theproduction of iron and steel. He was glad to take this trip to Europe, as it might afford him opportunity to verify or change some of hisconclusions. He resolved to use every moment for the enlargement of hispowers. 

After bidding May and Gertrude good-night, he told the colonel that heshould now take the Elevated Railway for the steamer "Campania, " as hewished to observe at midnight the firing of the great battery of boilersof the steamer; and that he would return in time for breakfast with theparty. "Let eight o'clock then be the hour, George, " and the capitalistand his trusted superintendent separated for the night. 

The elevated railway was not swift enough to carry George Ingram to PierNo. 40, so anxious was he to see the midnight fires started in thehundred furnaces of one of the two largest steamers afloat. It wasfifteen minutes to twelve o'clock when he reached the dock, and providedwith a letter of introduction to the chief engineer, he hurried as fastas possible to the officer's cabin. 

The young engineer's night ashore had been spent at the opera, and, advised of George Ingram's visit, he had promptly returned to thesteamer. Mr. Carl Siemens, engineer, was a relative of Siemens Brothers& Co. , Limited, the great electrical and telegraph engineers of London. His education had been thorough, and he was very proud of his steamer the"Campania, " especially of the motive power, which he helped to design. Hegave young Ingram a cordial greeting. 

For two hours they examined and talked of mechanism for ships and mills, and they even ventured to guess what the earth's motive power might be. It was now five minutes of midnight. The chief furnished Ingram anoversuit and the young engineers dropped through manholes and downvertical and spiral ladders into the cellar of the steamer, the bottom ofwhich was thirty feet below the water level. 

"The 'Campania, '" said Siemens, "has a strong double bottom thatforms a series of water-tight compartments which, filled with water, furnish ballast when necessary. On the second steel or false bottomof the steamer, fore and aft, are located the boilers, furnaces, and coal-bunkers. We have fourteen double-ended boilers, fittedlongitudinally in two groups, in two water-tight compartments, andseparated by huge coal-bunkers. Each boiler is eighteen feet in diameterand seventeen feet long. The thickness of the steel boilerplate is1-17/32 inches. Above each group of boilers rises 130 feet in height afunnel nineteen feet in diameter, which, if a tunnel, would easily admitthe passage of two railway trains abreast. "

George saw the fires lighted, and when the furnaces required more coal, suddenly a whistle brought fifty stokers or firemen, the automaticfurnace doors flew open, and a gleam of light flooded everything. Longlances made draft-holes in the banks of burning coal, through which theair was sucked with increasing roar. The round, red mouths of the hundredcraters snapped their jaws for coal, which was fed them by brawny menwhose faces were streaked with grimy perspiration, and their bodiesalmost overcome by heat. The hundred furnaces are kept at almost whiteheat from New York to Liverpool. 

"Four hours on, and four hours off, and the best quality of food are someof the recent improvements, " said Siemens. 

George Ingram shook his head, and his heart ached as he witnessed thestokers, and resolved to do his utmost to mitigate the hardships oflabor. "What are the duties of the stokers?" inquired George. 

"Our stokers, " replied Siemens, "must be men of strength and skill, forthey both feed and rake the fires. The ashes and slag must be hoisted anddumped into the ocean, and twice an hour, as the gauges indicate, freshwater is let into the boilers. Daily the boilers convert into steam overa hundred tons of water, which, condensed, is used over and over again. "

"What quantity of coal do you use?"

"About three hundred tons per day, or an average of nearly two thousandtons per voyage. The coal carrying capacity of the "Campania, " however, when needed as an armed cruiser, can be greatly increased. "

Siemens led Ingram to see the gigantic cranks, and propeller shafts. Eachof the several cranks is twenty-six inches in diameter and weighs 110tons; the shafts made of toughest steel are each twenty-four inches indiameter, and each weighs over 150 tons. The propellers are made of steeland bronze, and each of the six blades of the two screws weighs eighttons. It was now past two o'clock and George thanked Mr. Siemens and saidhe should be pleased to examine further his department when at sea. Itwas past three o'clock when George turned off his gas at the hotel. 

At eight o'clock the next morning the Harrises met promptly at breakfast. Promptness was one of Reuben Harris's virtues, and fortunately all hisparty were agreed as to its absolute necessity, especially when severaljourney together, if the happiness of all is considered. 

"George's eyes look like burnt holes, " whispered May to Gertrude. 

Overhearing his sister's remark, George added: "Yes, May, and they feelworse after my two hours last night in the stokehole of the 'Campania. '"

"We thought after our long railway ride and the concert yesterday, thatyou would gladly welcome a little sleep, " said Gertrude. 

"I did sleep four hours, Gertrude, but my owl-visit to the steamer washighly instructive, and when we get to sea, you all will be delighted tohelp me complete the study of the marine engines on the 'Campania. '"

CHAPTER XV

A SAFE PASSAGE AND A HAPPY REUNION

Gertrude and May never knew what happiness was before. One maiden had herlover, and the heart of the other was pledged to music. George too washappy in Gertrude's happiness and joyous in his own thoughts that perhapshe had already entered upon his life work, the development of plans whichwould bless humanity. Colonel Harris's chief joy was that he had earned arest, was soon to see the absent members of his family, and to behold thework of men in Europe. 

People crowded the gangway, the same as on a previous occasion when dutyforced him suddenly to leave the "Majestic. " It was almost two o'clock;visitors were no longer admitted to the steamer, except messengers withbelated telegrams, mail, packages, and flowers for the travelers. Onthe bridge of the "Campania" stood the uniformed captain and juniorofficers. The chief officer was at the bow, the second officer aft. Thecaptain, notified that all was ready, gave the command, "Let go!" and thecables were unfastened. The engineer started the baby-engine, whichpartially opens the great throttle-valves, the twin-screws began torevolve, and the "Campania, " like an awakened leviathan slowly moved intothe Hudson River. Hundreds on both the pier and steamer fluttered theirhandkerchiefs, and through a mist of tears good-byes were exchanged, till the increasing distance separated the dearest of friends. 

For twenty-four hours George Ingram was seen but little on deck. Most ofhis time he spent with Carl Siemen, the engineer. The colonel took greatdelight as the escort of two appreciative young ladies. Before the voyageended every available part of the "Campania" was explored. 

Gertrude was surprised to find an engineer so cultivated a gentleman. Hewas surrounded in his oak-furnished office by soft couches, easy chairs, works of art, burnished indicators and dials. Mr. Siemen received hisorders from the captain or officer on the bridge by telegraph. 

"It's mere child's play, " said May, "and as easy as touching the keys ofa great organ. "

Mr. Siemen now conducted his friends into the engine-room. "It is noteasy to imagine the tremendous force of the two swiftly turning screws orpropellers exerted against the surging waters of the Atlantic, " he said. "Our 30, 000 horse power engines, a horse power is equal to six men, equal180, 000 strong men pulling at the oars, or twice the number of men thatfought at Gettysburg to perpetuate the American Union. "

"Wonderful!" said Colonel Harris. 

"Steam guided by command of the officer on the bridge, with slightesteffort, also steers our immense steamer. "

"Mr. Siemen, tell us please how the steamer is lighted?" said George. 

"We have fifty miles of insulated wire in the "Campania" for the electriccurrent generated by our two dynamos, which give us 1350 sixteen-candlepower lights, equal to a total of 22, 000 candle power, absorbing 135horse-power. We also use large electric reflectors and search lights topick up buoys on a dark night. All our machinery is in duplicate. 

"At night when the broad clean decks of hardwood are illuminated withelectric lights and filled with gay promenaders, you easily imagine thatyou are strolling along Broadway. "

The accommodations and appointments of staterooms, of all the largepublic rooms, and especially the dining-room, are perfect. A week on theAtlantic, with the joyous bracing sea-air of the summer months, andsurrounded as you are by a cosmopolitan group of people, passes asdelightfully as a brief stay at the ocean side. 

The passage of the "Campania" from Sandy Hook Light to Queenstown wasmade in less than five and one-half days, 5 days, 10 hours, and 47minutes, or at an average speed of 21. 82 knots per hour, the highestday's run being 548 knots. At Queenstown Colonel Harris receivedtelegrams and letters from his family saying that they would meet him atLeamington, and that Alfonso would meet his father at Liverpool. 

Reuben Harris wired his wife when his party expected to arrive. It wasten o'clock in the morning when the S. S. "Campania" arrived in the Merseyoff Alexandra dock, and the company's tender promptly delivered thepassengers on the Liverpool Landing Stage. 

Gertrude was first to single out Alfonso, whose handkerchief waved abrother's welcome to the old world. Alfonso was the first to cross thegangway to the tender, and rushed to his friends. The greeting wasmutually cordial. The father embraced his boy, for he loved him much andstill cherished a secret hope that his only son might yet turn his mindto business. Alfonso seemed specially pleased that George and his sisterMay had come, for he had frequently met May Ingram and her singing hadoften charmed him. 

May was about his own age. As Alfonso helped her down the gangway to thedeck, he thought he had never seen her look so pretty. She was about thesize of his sister Lucille; slender, erect, and in her movements she wasas graceful as the swaying willows. May's face was oval like that ofher English mother. She had an abundance of brown hair, her eyes werebrilliant, and her complexion, bronzed by the sea-breezes, had a pinkunder-coloring that increased her beauty. If Alfonso's eyes were fixed onher a moment longer than custom allows, perhaps he was excusable, forportrait painting was his hobby, and he fancied that he knew a beautifulface. 

Alfonso was all attention to his friends in clearing the baggage throughthe customs and getting checks for Leamington. After lunch, at the finerailway hotel, the two o'clock express from Lime Street station wastaken, and Colonel Harris and party became loud in their praises of JohnBull's Island, as they sped on, via Coventry with her three tall spires, to the fashionable Spa, where the Harris family were again to bereunited. It was six o'clock when Alfonso alighted on the platform. "Here they are, mother, I have brought them all; father, Gertrude, George, and May. "

The Leamington meeting was a happy one. The sorrow of separation is oftencompensated by the joys of reunion. Mrs. Harris embraced her husband asif he had returned a hero from the wars. In fact, he had emerged from aconflict that brought neither peace nor honor to capital or labor. 

Lucille too was enthusiastic. She, who was haughty, rarely responsive, and often proud of her father's wealth, for the time assumed anothercharacter and warmly welcomed her sister Gertrude and Gertrude's intendedhusband as "brother George. " Leo too was glad to make new acquaintances. Eight joyous people attracted the attention of many at the station. 

Fortunately, the next day was Sunday, which gave time for rest, forreview of the past few exciting weeks, and for the development of futureplans of travel. Much was told of the Harris trip through Ireland and ofthe last week spent in the south of England. 

Lucille described to Gertrude and May Stonehenge, hanging stones, --thewonder of Salisbury Plain, where stand the ruins of the Druidtemple--three circles of upright moss-grown stones with flat slabs acrosstheir tops, in which it is supposed the sun was worshiped with humansacrifices. Many burial mounds are scattered about. A broad driveway, amile in extent, surrounds the temple, where possibly great processionscame to witness the gorgeous displays. In early Britain the Druid priestsheld absolute sway over the destinies of souls. These priests werefinally overpowered by the Romans, and some of them burned upon their ownaltars. 

"But, Lucille, you wrote that you planned to visit Osborne House. "

"Yes, dear, we did go to the Isle of Wight, and saw Osborne House, QueenVictoria's home by the sea, as Balmoral is her summer home among themountains of Scotland. Her Majesty's palace is surrounded by terracedgardens, nearly five thousand acres of forests, pastures, and fertilemeadows. Osborne House is furnished with much magnificence, mosaicflooring, costly marbles, statuary, paintings, books, and art souvenirs. 

"There the queen and Prince Albert painted, sang, and read together. Those were happy days indeed for the young rulers of a kingdom. Each oftheir children had a garden. The Prince of Wales worked in a carpenter'sshop, and the royal princesses learned housework in a kitchen and dairyprepared for them. " This was a revelation to Lucille, who had been rearedwith little or nothing to do. 

Lucille told Gertrude and May that she had just been reading the earlylife of the queen, who said, "If one's home is happy, then trials andvexations are comparatively nothing. " The queen also said, "Childrenshould be brought up simply and learn to put the greatest confidencein their parents. " Lucille continued, "The queen often visited herpeople, bringing toys for the children--a promise to a child she neverforgets--and gifts of warm clothing for the aged, to their greatdelight. "

At a conference of the Harris family, it was decided to go to Londonafter spending Monday in a carriage drive to Warwick and Kenilworthcastles and Stratford-on-Avon. So Monday promptly at eight o'clocktwo carriages stood waiting at the hotel. Colonel Harris took Mrs. Harris, May Ingram, and Alfonso with him, and George Ingram tookGertrude, Lucille, and Leo in the second carriage. 

There are few, if any, more magnificent drives in England than the onethrough the beautiful Stratford district. It is recorded that twoEnglishmen once laid a wager as to the finest walk in England. One named the walk from Coventry to Stratford, the other from Stratfordto Coventry. 

It was a delightful day and both the colonel and George entirely forgotbusiness in their enjoyment of the loveliest country they had ever seen. A drive of two miles, from Leamington and along the banks of the historicAvon, brought them to Warwick Castle which Scott calls "The fairestmonument of ancient and chivalrous splendor uninjured by the tooth oftime. " It is said that Warwick Castle was never taken by any foe in daysgone by. 

Our visitors drove over the draw-bridge through a gateway covered withivy, and still guarded as of old, by an ancient portcullis. In the hallof the castle, pannelled with richly carved oak, are religiously guardedthe helmet of Cromwell, the armor of the Black Prince, and many historicrelics and art treasures. The drawing-room is finished in cedar. Informer days guests were summoned to the great banqueting hall by a blareof trumpets. In the gardens is seen the celebrated white marble Warwickvase from Adrian's villa. Interwoven vines form the handles, and leavesand grapes adorn the margin of the vase. Superb views were had from thecastle towers. In the Beauchamp chapel in the old town of Warwick reposethe remains of Dudley, Earl of Leicester, one of Queen Elizabeth'sfavorites. She gave Leicester beautiful Kenilworth Castle, which is fivemiles distant. 

As the carriages drove over the smooth road, beneath the venerable elmsand sycamores, artists along the way were sketching. Both Alfonso and Leotipped their hats, as members of a guild that recognizes art for art'ssake, a society that takes cognizance of neither nationality nor sect. 

Gertrude and George had read Scott's novel in which he tells of theancient glories of Kenilworth, which dates back to the twelfth century, and to-day is considered the most beautiful ruin in the world. Ivy mantlesthe lofty ruined walls; the sun tinges in silver the gray old towers, andsends a flood of golden light through the deep windows of the oncemagnificent banqueting hall. 

For years Kenilworth Castle was a royal residence, and later it wasthe scene of bloody conflicts between kings and nobles. Today sheeppeacefully graze within the ruins and about the grounds. Visitors fromall parts of the world look in wonder upon the decay of glories that oncedazzled all Europe. Here the earl of Leicester entertained his virginqueen hoping to marry her. As Elizabeth crossed the draw-bridge a song inher praise was sung by a Lady of the Lake on an island floating in themoat. Story writers have never tired of telling of the magnificence ofthese entertainments that cost the ambitious earl $20, 000 per day fornineteen days. 

Returning, Warwick Arms Hotel was reached for lunch, after which theparty drove eight miles to Stratford-on-Avon, a model town on the classicAvon. Here in Henley Street, in a half-timbered house recently carefullyrestored, Shakespeare was born. The walls and window panes are coveredwith the names of visitors, while inside are kept albums for theautographs of kings, queens, of Scott, Byron, Irving, and others. Oneof the three rooms below is an ancient kitchen, where by the big openchimney the poet often sat. Climbing a winding, wooden stairway, George and Gertrude in the lead, our Harrisville friends entered theold-fashioned chamber, where, it is said, on St. George's Day, April 19, 1564, William Shakespeare was born. A bust of the poet stands on thetable. 

"We know little of his mother, " said Gertrude, "except that she had abeautiful name, Mary Arden. If it is true, as a rule, that all great menhave had great mothers, Mary Arden must have been a very superior woman. "

"The reverse, Gertrude, must be equally true, " said George, "that allgreat women must have had great fathers. "

Gertrude who had made a special study of Shakespeare and his works didmuch of the talking. She said, "All that is definitely known of the lifeof the great poet can be put on half a page. It is thought that Williamwas the son of a well-to-do farmer who lost his property. William, notabove work, assisted his father as butcher, then taught school, and laterserved as a lawyer's clerk. When he was eighteen, like most young people, he fell in love. "

Saying this, Gertrude led to the street, and the party drove to Shottery, a pretty village a mile away, where is Ann Hathaway's thatched cottage. "Here the beardless William often came, " said Gertrude, "and told hislove to the English maiden. Ann Hathaway was older than William, she wastwenty-six, but they were married, and had three children. 

"When Shakespeare was twenty-five he was part owner of the Blackfriar'sTheatre in London. There he spent his literary life, and there he wasactor, dramatist, and manager. He became rich and returned occasionallyto Stratford where he bought lands and built houses. 

"If we can trust statues and paintings and writers, William Shakespearehad a kingly physique, light hazel eyes and auburn hair. "

"What about his death?" inquired Colonel Harris. 

"Of his death, " said Gertrude, "we know little, save that the Vicar ofStratford wrote that Shakespeare, Drayton, and Ben Johnson had a merrymeeting, possibly drank too much, and that Shakespeare died of a feverthen contracted, on the anniversary of his birth, when he was fifty-twoyears old. "

"And where was he buried?" inquired Lucille. 

"In the Stratford church, " answered Gertrude, and the carriages weredriven up an avenue of arching lime trees. The old church, with its talland graceful spire, reflected in the waters of the Avon, is a restfulplace for the body that contains the mightiest voice in literature. Nearby also lie buried his wife and their children. A plain slab in the floorcovers his remains. 

Recently a new grave was dug near Shakespeare's and the intervening wallfell in. A workman ventured to hold a lighted taper in death's chamber, which revealed that the ashes of the immortal Shakespeare could be heldin the palm of the hand. The Harris party drove back to Leamington tospend the night. 

CHAPTER XVI

A SEARCH FOR IDEAS

Later on the Harrises spent considerable time in London staying at theGrand Hotel which occupies the site of the old Northumberland House onTrafalgar Square. They soon learned that the English matrons are devotedmothers, that they take long walks, dress their children simply, and thattheir daughters have fair complexions, are modest in manner, and are thepictures of health. 

Many of the English women find time to study national questions, toorganize "Primrose" and "Liberal Leagues, " and to vote on municipalaffairs. Miss Helen Taylor and other cultivated women have been electedmembers of the London school board, and aided in temperance reform. 

While Alfonso, Leo, Lucille, and May were absent studying the artisticlife of the metropolis, Mr. And Mrs. Harris, Gertrude, and George spentmost of the day planning for the future. Reuben Harris and his wife hadrepeatedly talked over the Harrisville affair, and their trips in Londonwhere so many generations had lived and passed away had given bothclearer ideas of life. 

"At best, " thought the colonel, "life seems short indeed. " More than oncehe admitted to his wife that his early privations had made his life inHarrisville selfish and inconsiderate, that the questions of highercivilization were involved in the vigorous efforts of humanity for acloser brotherhood, and that if God permitted him he would lend a helpinghand. 

Mrs. Harris, naturally proud, was slow to respond to the colonel's newideas, but he felt that under Gertrude's generous influences his wifewould prove a help rather than a hindrance. Mrs. Harris knew thatGertrude and George, who had received a broad education, were ambitiousto do good, and besides she trusted and loved them both. 

It was clear to George and Gertrude that little or no hindrance would beoffered to wise plans of usefulness. It was finally agreed that ColonelHarris and George should spend a week or two visiting some of the greatindustrial centers of Europe, and that Alfonso and Leo should accompanythe ladies to Paris, and then visit the haunts of the old portraitpainters of the Netherlands. 

It was also decided by George and Gertrude that they would be married inParis. This made the two lovers happy; for soon the two diamonds and rubywould be advanced to the ring finger, as promised by Gertrude on Mt. Holyoke. Each felt that an inexpensive marriage in Paris would be afortunate escape from possible criticisms at home. Colonel Harris hadpromised Gertrude a special gift of a thousand dollars for theapproaching nuptials, she to do what she desired with the money. So shedecided to use only one-fourth of the gift for herself, to send one-halfof it to the Relief Society, and the balance to two ladies' benevolentsocieties of Harrisville. 

The discussion of these plans made the last night in London a happy one. Happiness comes when we warm the hearts near us. When selfishness leavesthe heart, the dove of peace enters. Early next morning at the VictoriaStation, Colonel Harris and George saw their friends off for Paris. Theroute taken was the one via the London, Chatham & Dover Railway, anhour's run to Dover, thence in the twin steamer "Calais-Dover, " an hourand a half's ride across the English Channel to Calais, and from Calaisvia railway to Paris, capital of the French Republic. 

Then Reuben Harris and George Ingram left Victoria Station to pay theirrespects to Henry Bessemer, civil engineer, who lived at Denmark Hillsouth of London. They desired to study the conditions which make theBritish people powerful. Both were aware that England was richly storedwith the most serviceable of all minerals, coal and iron, in convenientproximity; that her large flocks of sheep supplied both wool and leather;that Ireland had been encouraged in the cultivation of flax; that theconvenience of intercourse between mother country and her neighbors, especially America, had enabled England to engage largely in themanufacture of the three textile staples, wool, flax, and cotton. Butmaterial resources are only one element in great industrial successes. Both labor and capital are equally essential. 

Englishmen have strength and skill. In delicate and artisticmanipulation, however, the Englishman may be surpassed, but he possessesin a rare degree great capacity for physical application to work, alsotremendous mental energy and perseverance. Most of the world's valuableand great inventions, as successfully applied to the leading industries, were made by the English. 

Though England has neither gold nor silver mines, yet for centuries shehas commanded vast capital. Her trading enterprise, which has made theEnglishman conspicuous round the world, existed long before the Normanconquest. Helpful and consistent legislation has also favored Britishindustries. Besides, England enjoyed a good start in the race withforeigners. Surplus English capital of late has been employed inpromoting foreign industry, and the interests of England as a rivalmay suffer. 

Reaching the station at Denmark Hill, the colonel and George drove atonce to Bessemer's home. It is doubtful if England has forty acres, ownedby a private citizen, more tastefully laid out and adorned, with forests, lawns, and flowers. 

Henry Bessemer was tall and well formed, and looked the ideal Englishman, as he gave cordial welcome, in his large drawing room, to Colonel Harrisand George Ingram. Evidences of his constructive skill and exquisitetaste were seen on every hand, notably in his billiard room, conservatory, and astronomical observatory. The last contained areflector telescope of his own design, that rivals the world-famedtelescope of Lord Rosse. Both were soon charmed with Bessemer's mannersand conversation. 

George had read of this wonderful man who was born in 1813; between 1838and 1875 he had taken out 113 patents, and the drawings of his own workmade seven thick volumes. This record of Bessemer indicates an almostunrivalled degree of mental activity and versatility as keen observer, original thinker, and clever inventor. 

His drawings showed patents in connection with improvements in engines, cars, wheels, axles, tires, brakes, and rails. Fifteen patents forimprovements in sugar manufacture, patents for motors and hydraulicapparatus, for the manufacture of iron and steel, the shaping, embossing, shearing, and cutting of metals, for marine artillery, ordnance, projectiles, ammunition, armor plates, screw propellers, anchors, silvering glass, casting of type, patents for bronze powder, gold paint, oils, varnishes, asphalt pavements, waterproof fabrics, lenses, etc. 

Mr. Bessemer's greatest invention, announced to the British Associationat Cheltenham, in 1856, is his method of the manufacture of iron andsteel without fuel, which started a new era in the iron trade. His namewill be forever associated with the rapid conversion of pig iron intomalleable iron and steel. By this process the price of steel per ton hasbeen reduced from $160 to $25, a price less than was formerly paid foriron. Mr. Bessemer received the Telford and Albert gold medals and honorsfrom sovereigns and societies round the world. 

George said to Mr. Bessemer that he thought Lord Palmerston's definition, "dirt was matter out of place, " was especially applicable to theundesirable elements in ores. 

"Very true, " replied Mr. Bessemer, "and the man who can clean the dirtfrom our ores, and produce the most desirable steel, at the least cost, is a great benefactor of humanity. "

Mr. Bessemer's own story of his most important invention was veryinteresting. Practical iron men had said that it was an impossible featto convert molten pig iron in a few minutes into fluid malleable iron, and then into available steel, and all this without additional fuel. Butthe genius and perseverance of Mr. Bessemer, aided by his practicalknowledge of chemistry and mechanics, did it. It had long been knownthat, if a horseshoe nail were tied to a cord and the point heated towhiteness, the iron nail could be made to burn in common air by beingwhirled in a circle. The ring of sparks proved a combustion. Mr. Bessemerwas the first however to show that if air was forced, not upon thesurface, but into and amongst the particles of molten iron, the samesort of combustion took place. 

Pig iron, which is highly carbonized iron from the blast furnace, waslaboriously converted into malleable iron by the old process of thepuddling furnace. Bessemer conceived the process of forcing air among theparticles of molten iron, and by a single operation, combining the use ofair in the double purpose of increasing temperature, and removing thecarbon. The carbon of the iron has a greater affinity for the oxygen ofthe air than for the iron. When all the carbon is removed, then exactlyenough carbon is added by introducing molten spiegeleisen to producesteel of any desired temper with the utmost certainty. 

With the ordinary kinds of pig iron early in use, Bessemer's processwas powerless. The old puddling process was more capable of removingphosphorus and sulphur. But with pig iron produced from the red hematiteores, practically free from phosphorus, Bessemer's process was asurprising success. 

At once exploration began to open vast fields of hematite ores in thecounties of Cumberland and Lancashire of England, in Spain, in the LakeSuperior regions of North America, and in other countries. Bessemerwisely made his royalty very low, five dollars per ton; capital rapidlyflowed into this new industry, and Bessemer won a fortune. Mushroom townsand cities sprung up everywhere and fortunes were made by many. 

Mr. Bessemer himself vividly described his process in action: "When themolten pig iron is poured into mortar-like converters, supported ontrunions like a cannon, the process is brought into full activity. Theblast is admitted through holes in the bottom, when small powerful jetsof air spring upward through the boiling fluid mass, and the wholeapparatus trembles violently. Suddenly a volcano-like eruption of flamesand red-hot cinders or sparks occurs. The roaring flames, rushing fromthe mouth of the converter, changes its violet color to orange andfinally to pure white. The large sparks change to hissing points, whichgradually become specks of soft, bluish light as the state of malleableiron is approached. "

This very brilliant process, which includes the introduction and mixtureof the spiegeleisen, may occupy fifteen minutes, when the moulds arefilled, and the steel ingots can be hammered or rolled the same as bloomsfrom a puddling furnace. 

Mr. Bessemer explained many things, and offered many valuablesuggestions. A remark of Mr. Bessemer to George Ingram led the latterto tell Bessemer a story which he heard in the smoking-room of the S. S. "Campania. "

"Two Irishmen once tried to sleep, but could not for Jersey mosquitoeshad entered their bedroom. Earnest effort drove the mosquitoes out, andthe light was again extinguished. Soon Mike saw a luminous insect, a bigfire-fly approaching. Quickly he roused his companion saying, 'Pat, wakeup! Quick! Let's be going! It's no use trying to get more sleep here, there comes another Jersey mosquito hunting us with a lantern. '"

Mr. Bessemer was amused, and he ventured the assertion that whenelectricity could be as cheaply produced directly from coal as the lightby the fire-fly, and successfully delivered in our great cities, thesmoke nuisance would be effectually abated, all freight charges on coalwould be saved, and coal operators could utilize all their slack at themines. 

"Do you think this possible?" inquired Colonel Harris. 

"Oh, yes, quite possible, " answered Bessemer, "our necessities beget ourinventions and discoveries. Thorough investigation in the near future onthis and kindred lines must be fruitful of astonishing results in theinterests of a higher civilization. " The colonel and George took theirleave. Truly the fire-fly, like the whirling hot nail, is suggestive ofgreat possibilities, thought George. 

That evening it was planned to visit on the morrow the extensivetelegraphic works of Siemens Brothers & Co. , Limited. George retired tosleep, but his mind was never more active. On warm summer evenings he hadoften held in his hand glow-worms and studied them as they emitted brightphosphorescent light. He had learned that this faculty was confined tothe female which has no wings, and that the light is supposed to serveas a beacon to attract and guide the male. The light proceeds from theabdomen, and its intensity seems to vary at will. He had also read ofa winged, luminous insect of South America, which emits very brilliantlight from various parts of its body. 

When George reflected that under even the most favorable conditions therewas realized in mechanical work of the energy stored in coal only 10%, hewas convinced that the extravagant waste of 90% of energy was in itselfsufficient argument against the present method as being the bestpossible. Ever since his graduation, he had believed that the greatest ofall technical problems was the production of cheaper power. That it wasthe great desideratum in cities in the production of food, and in foodtransportation from farms to trunk lines, on railways and on the ocean. 

While in America he had discussed the matter of cheaper power withEdison, Thompson, Tesla, and others. 

George and his father, James Ingram, experimenting with chemical energy, had already discovered a galvanic element which enabled them to furnishelectrical energy direct from coal and the oxygen of the air, but thisimportant discovery was kept a secret. The chief object of GeorgeIngram's visit abroad was to follow the footsteps of other greatscientists and manufacturers to the edge or frontier of their discoveriesand practical workings. 

It was two o'clock that night before George could close his eyes, butpromptly at 6:30 o'clock next morning he was ready for his bath andshave, and later he and the colonel ate the usual European breakfastof eggs, rolls, and coffee. The eight o'clock train was taken for thegreat works of Siemens Brothers & Co. , Limited, which are located atWoolwich, down the Thames. 

This firm, the pioneers of ship lighting by electricity, has alreadyfitted out hundreds of vessels with electric lights. They alsomanufacture submarine and land telegraphs in vast quantities, havingaided largely in enclosing the globe in a network of cables. All theSiemens brothers have shown much ability. Charles William was born atLenthe, Hanover, in 1823, and has received high scientific honors. Theworld recognizes the valuable services that Dr. Siemens has rendered tothe iron and steel trade by his important investigations and inventions. 

Dr. Siemens, like Mr. Bessemer, labored to make iron and steel directfrom the ores. By the invention of his regenerative gas furnace, whichmakes the high grade and uniform steel so desirable in the constructionof ships, boilers, and all kinds of machines, Dr. Siemens has renderedsignal service. This visit at Siemens Brothers & Co. 's works was of greatinterest, and many valuable ideas were gained. 

Several days were next spent in Birmingham, and at the centers of steelmaking in northwest England. Birmingham is called the "Toy Shop of theWorld" for there almost everything is manufactured from a cambric needleto a cannon. 

Colonel Harris and George Ingram studied the workings of the English"Saturday half-holiday, " which employees earn by working an extrahalf-hour on the five previous days. A visit was made to the Tangye Bros. Engine Works at Soho, near Birmingham, which absorbed the engine works ofBoulton and Watt. It was Boulton who said to Lord Palmerston visitingSoho, "Sir, we have here for sale what subjects of his Majesty mostseek, viz. , Power. "

The Tangyes employ thousands of men, manufacturing engines and otherproducts. Steam engines of all sizes, in enormous quantities are stored, ready at a moment's notice to be shipped broadcast. It was the inventionof the powerful Tangye jack-screw that finally enabled the famousengineer Brunel to launch his "Great Eastern" steamship which he hadbuilt on the Thames, and which had settled on her keel. 

Today the Tangye Brothers are fond of saying, "We launched the 'GreatEastern, ' and the 'Great Eastern' launched us. " One of the TangyeBrothers took the two Americans through James Watt's old home, and intohis famous garret, where Watt invented the parallel motion and otherparts of the steam engine. So important were Watt's engine inventionsthat he alone should have the honor of inventing the modern engine whichhas so elevated the race. 

George was greatly interested in what the Tangye Brothers were doing fortheir employees. Instructive lectures by capable men were given weekly totheir workmen, while they ate their dinners. Medical aid was furnishedfree, and in many ways practical assistance was rendered their workingforce. 

After a most interesting journey among the steel firms, including Bocklow& Vaughn of Middleborough, John Brown at Sheffield, and others, ReubenHarris and George crossed over into busy Belgium, and thence theyjourneyed via historic Cologne to Westphalia, Germany. Here are some ofthe most productive coal measures on the earth, which extend eastwardfrom the Rhine for over thirty miles, and here one wonders at the densenetwork of railways and manufacturing establishments, unparalleled inGermany. 

At Essen are the far-famed Krupp Works, one of the greatest manufacturingfirms on the globe. These works are the outgrowth of a small old forge, driven by water power, and established in 1810 by Frederick Krupp. Hisshort life was a hard struggle, but he discovered the secret of makingcast-steel, and died in 1828. Before his death, however, he revealed hisvaluable secret to his son Alfred, then only 14 years of age. After manyyears of severe application, Alfred Krupp's first great triumph came in1851 at the London World's Fair, where he received the highest medal. Atthe Paris Exposition of 1855, as well as at Munich the year before, healso won gold medals. 

Abundant orders now flowed in for his breech-loading, cast-steel cannons. In severe tests which followed, the famous Woolwich guns were driven fromthe field. The Krupp guns won great victories over the French cannon atSedan, which was an artillery duel. At Gravelotte and Metz the Krupp gunssurpassed all others in range, accuracy, and penetrating power, and HerrAlfred Krupp became the "Cannon King" of Europe. Americans remember wellhis gigantic steel breech-loading guns at the expositions held inPhiladelphia, and Chicago. 

Alfred Krupp, however, delighted more in improving the condition of hisarmy of employees. He provided for them miles of roomy, healthful homes. He formed a commissariat, where his employees could secure at cost priceall the necessaries of life. He also established schools where thechildren of his employees could receive education if desired intechnical, industrial, commercial, and mechanical pursuits, and inspecial and classical courses as well. He devised a "Sick and PensionFund, " for disabled workmen, which scheme Emperor William II. Has made alaw of the German Empire. He likewise created life insurance companies, and widow and orphan funds. The golden rule has been Alfred Krupp'sguiding star. He was always kind and considerate, and never dictatorial. 

When asked to accept a title, he answered, "No, I want no title furtherthan the name of Krupp. " Alfred Krupp died July 14, 1887, in the 75thyear of his age. His request was that his funeral should take place, notfrom his palatial mansion, but in the little cottage within the works, where he was born, which is to-day an object of great reverence to the25, 000 workmen who earn their daily bread in the vast Krupp foundries. 

Alfred Krupp lived to see Essen, his native village, grow from apopulation of 4, 000 to a busy city of 70, 000, where annually hundredsof engines and steam hammers produce thousands of tons of steel castingsand forgings. Alfred Krupp built his own monument in the vast mills andbenevolences of Essen, a monument more useful and enduring than marbleor bronze. His son Frederick Alfred Krupp, his successor, married thebeautiful Baroness Margarette von Ende. Colonel Harris and George visitedother great works in Europe, and finally started to rejoin their friendsin Paris. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE HARRIS PARTY VISITS PARIS

The distance is two hours from London to Dover. Half-way is Gad's Hill, famous as the residence of the late Charles Dickens. Further on isCanterbury, which is celebrated as the stronghold of Kentishmen and thefirst English Christian city. Its prime attraction of course is its finecathedral, which in 1170 was the scene of Becket's murder. 

Dover on the English Channel lies in a deep valley surrounded by highchalk hills. On one of these, which is strongly fortified, may be seenevidences of Norman, Saxon, and Roman works. 

Every morning and evening the royal mail steamers leave Dover for Calais. The channel ride of twenty-one miles was made by the Harrises without thedreaded _mal de mer_. In the railway restaurant at Calais, Lucillevolunteered to order for the party, but she soon learned, much to theamusement of her friends, that the French learned in Boston is notsuccessful at first in France. 

The express to Paris is through Boulogne, an important sea town offifty-thousand inhabitants, which combines much English comfort withFrench taste. From there hundreds of fishing boats extend their voyagesevery season to the Scotch coast and even to far-off Iceland. 

The scenery in the fertile valley of the Somme is beautiful. The routelies through Amiens, a large city of textile industries, thence acrossthe Arve; the Harrises reached the station of the Northern Railway, in the Place Roubaix, in northern Paris as the sun faded in the west. 

Carriages were taken for the Grand Hotel, Boulevard des Capucines, nearthe new opera house, which is centrally located, and offers to travelersevery comfort. The carriages enter a court, made inviting by fountains, flowers, and electric light. 

The first day or evening in Paris is bewildering. Early in the morningthe Harrises drove along the inner and the outer boulevards that encircleParis. Many miles of fine boulevards were built under Napoleon III. Mostfrom the Madeleine to the July Column are flanked with massive limestonebuildings, palatial mansions, and glittering shops, the architecture ofwhich is often uniform, and balconies are frequently built with eachstory. Early every morning the asphalt and other pavements are washed. At midday a busy throng crowds all the main streets. 

Parisians favor residence in flats, and they enjoy immensely theiroutdoor methods of living. At sundown the wide walks in front ofbrilliant cafés are crowded with well dressed men and women, who seekrest and refreshment in sipping coffee, wine, or absynthe, scanning thepapers for bits of social or political news, and discussing the latestfad or sensation of the day. The English hurry but the French rarely. 

Paris under electric light is indeed a fairyland. The boulevards arebrilliant and the scenes most animating. Everybody is courteous, andall seen bent on a pleasurable time. Cafés, shops, and places ofentertainment are very inviting, and you easily forget to note thepassage of time. Midnight even overtakes you before you are aware ofthe lateness of the hour. This is true, if you chance to visit, as didthe Harris party, some characteristic phases of Parisian life. 

Near the east end of the Champs-Elysées, under the gas light and beneaththe trees, they found open-air theaters, concerts, crowded cafes, andpretty booths supplied with sweets and drinks. Every afternoon if theweather is favorable, tastefully dressed children appear in charge ofnursemaids in white caps and aprons, and together they make picturesquegroups in the shade of elm and lime trees. 

At breakfast, Leo proposed a study of Paris, as seen from the Arc deTriomphe de l'Etoile, so named from the star formed by a dozen avenueswhich radiate from it. The location is at the west end of the Avenue desChamps-Elysées. This monument is one of the finest ever built by anynation for its defenders. It is 160 feet in height, 145 in width, wasbegun in 1806 by Napoleon and completed thirty years afterwards by LouisPhilippe. Figures and reliefs on the arch represent important events inNapoleon's campaigns. Arriving at the arch, Leo led the way up a spiralstaircase, 261 steps to the platform above which commands fine views ofParis. 

The Champs-Elysées, a boulevard one thousand feet in width, extends eastover a mile from the monument of the Place de la Concord. Handsomebuildings flank the sides, and much of the open space is shaded with elmand lime trees. Grand statues, fountains, and flowers add their charm. Between three and five o'clock every pleasant afternoon this magnificentavenue becomes the most fashionable promenade in the world. Here you willbehold the elite in attendance at Vanity Fair; many are riding in elegantequipages, many on horseback, and almost countless numbers on foot. 

The popular drive is out the Avenue du Bois de Boulogne, 320 feet inwidth, to the Bois de Boulogne, a beautiful park of 2250 acres, containing several lakes and fringed on the west side by the RiverSeine. In the southwest part of this park is located the Hippodrome deLongchamp, which is the principal race-course near Paris, where racesattract vast crowds, especially when the French Derby or the Grand Prixof twenty thousand dollars is competed for early in June. 

The Harrises standing on the monument, looked eastward, and Leo pointedout the River Seine shooting beneath more than a score of beautiful stoneand iron bridges, and making a bold curve of seven miles through Paris. Then the Seine flows like a ribbon of silver in a northwesterly directioninto the English Channel. On the right bank is seen the Palais duTrocadero of oriental style, which was used for the InternationalExposition of 1878. On the left bank stands the Palais du Luxembourg, rich in modern French art, the Hotel des Invalides, where rests Napoleon, and the Church of St. Genevieve, or the Pantheon, where Victor Hugo isburied. 

Beyond the Place de la Concord are the Royal Gardens of the Tuileries, where Josephine and Eugenie walked among classic statues, vases, fountains and flowers; the Louvre filled with priceless art treasures, the beautiful Hotel de Ville or city-hall, majestic Notre Dame, andthe graceful Column of July. Paris is truly an earthly Paradise. Forcenturies it has been the residence of French rulers, and the mecca ofher pleasure loving citizens. Fire, famine, foreign invasion, civil war, and pestilence have often swept over this, the fairest of cities, yetfrom each affliction, Phoenix-like, Paris has risen brighter andgayer than ever. 

Gertrude, May, and Lucille were charmed with the fair vision before them, and were anxious to leave the Arch of Triumph and become a part of thegay city. The carriages drove back to the Place de la Concord, one of thefinest open places in Europe. Around this place the chief cities ofFrance are represented by eight large stone figures. That of Strasburgthe French keep in mourning. In the center stands the Obelisk of Luxor, of reddish granite, which was brought at great expense from Egypt andtells of Rameses II. And his successor. Other ornaments are twentyrostral columns, bearing twin burners. On grand occasions this placeand the avenue are illuminated by thirty thousand gas lights. 

In the Place de la Concord the guillotine did its terrible work in themonths between January 21st, 1793, and May 3rd, 1795, when thousands ofRoyalists and Republicans perished. Two enormous fountains adorned withTritons, Nereids, and Dolphins beautify the court. No wonder thebrilliant writer Chateaubriand objected to the erection here of thesefountains, observing that all the water in the world could not removethe blood stains which sullied the spot. 

How beautiful the vista up the broad and short Rue Royale, which conductsto the classic Madeleine! Alfonso was entranced with the beauty of thisrare temple, which was begun and finally dedicated as a church, thoughNapoleon earnestly hoped to complete it as a temple of glory for his oldsoldiers. Its cost was nearly three million dollars. A colonnade offifty-two huge fluted Corinthian columns and above them a rich friezesurround the church. The approach is by a score and more of stone stepsand through enormous bronze doors on which the Ten Commandments areillustrated. 

Entering the Madeleine, one sees an interior richly adorned, floors ofmarble, and lofty columns supporting a three-domed roof, through whichlight enters. On either side are six confessionals of oak and gilt, where prince and peasant alike confess their sins. Beyond is the altarof spotless marble. How beautiful the group of white figures, whichrepresents Madeleine forgiven, and borne above on angels' wings! Thisartistic group cost thirty thousand dollars. 

On Sunday morning Leo and his friends came to the Madeleine which is themetropolitan church of Paris. Here every Sunday exquisite music isrendered, and here come the elite to worship and to add liberal gifts. Itis a broad policy that no Catholic Church on the globe, not even splendidSt. Peter's of Rome, is considered too good for rich and poor of allnationalities to occupy together for the worship of the Master. 

All the Parisian churches are crowded on Sunday mornings, but Sundayafternoons are used as holidays, and all kinds of vehicles and trains areburdened with well dressed people in pursuit of pleasure. 

Traveling by omnibus and tramway in Paris is made as convenient to thepublic as possible; nobody is permitted to ride without a seat, and thereare frequent waiting stations under cover. This is as it should be. Nearly a hundred lines of omnibuses and tramways in Paris intersecteach other in every direction. Inside the fares are six cents, outsidethree cents. A single fare allows of a transfer from one line to another. Railways surround Paris, thus enabling the public to reach easily themany pretty suburbs and villages. 

Both Mrs. Harris and Gertrude on their return to the Grand Hotel wereglad to find letters from the men they loved. George wrote Gertrude thathe was amazed at the enormous capacity of the manufacturing plants whichhe and Colonel Harris were visiting; that both labor and capital weremuch cheaper than in America. His closing words were, "Learn all you can, darling, I shall soon come to claim you. "

Gertrude had read of the laundries on the Seine, so she left the hotelearly with her mother and Alfonso to see them, while Leo, Lucille, andMay went to study contemporaneous French masterpieces in the Luxembourgpalace and gallery. The public wash houses on the Seine are largefloating structures with glass roofs, steaming boilers, and rows of tubsfoaming with suds. Hard at work, stand hundreds of strong and bare armedwomen, who scrub and wring their linen, while they sing and reply to thebanter of passing bargee or canotier. 

If the sun is shining and the water is clear, the blue cotton dressesof the women contrast prettily with white linen and bare arms busilyemployed. Though they earn but a pittance, about five cents an hour, yetthey are very independent; mutual assistance is their controlling creed, and few, if any, honor more loyally the republican principle of liberty, equality and fraternity. The women seemed to do all the hard work, whilethe men in snowy shirts and blue cotton trousers, with scarlet girdlesabout their waists, pushed deftly to and fro the hot flat or box ironsover white starched linen. 

Each ironer has a bit of wax, which he passes over the hot iron when hecomes to the front, the collar, or the wrist-bands, and he boasts that hecan goffer a frill or "bring up" a pattern of lace better than aChinaman. 

Alfonso and his party drove along the handsome Rue de Rivoli, with itshalf-mile of arcades, attractive shops, and hotels of high grade, andup the Rue Castiglione, which leads to the Place Vendome. Here in oneof a hundred open places in Paris rises the Column Vendome in imitationof Trajan's column in Rome. The inscription records that it is tocommemorate Napoleon's victories in 1805 over the Austrians and Russians. On the pedestal are reliefs which represent the uniforms and weaponsof the conquered armies. The memorable scenes, from the breaking of campat Boulogne down to the Battle of Austerlitz, are shown on a broad bronzeband that winds spirally up to the capital, and the shaft is surmountedby a bronze statue of Napoleon in his imperial robes. 

Fortunately Alfonso's carriage overtook Leo's party, and they visitedtogether the pretty arcades and gardens of the Palais Royal. In the opencourts are trees, flowers, fountains, and statues, and on the four sidesare inviting cafés and shops which display tempting jewelry and otherbeautiful articles. On summer evenings a military band plays here. Returning, the ladies stepped into the Grand Magasin du Louvre. At abuffet, refreshments were gratis, and everywhere were crowds, whoevidently appreciated the great variety of materials for ladies' dresses, the fine cloths, latest novelties, exquisite laces, etc. The ladiesplanned to return here, and to make a visit to the famous Au Bon Marche, where cheap prices always prevail. Most of the afternoon was spent in theLouvre, a vast palace of art, and the evening at the Theatre Français, the ceiling of which represents France, bestowing laurels upon her threegreat children, Molière, Corneille, and Racine. The Theatre Françaisoccupies the highest rank. Its plays are usually of a high class, and theacting is admirable. The government grants this theatre an annual subsidyof about fifty thousand dollars. 

Early next morning, the Harrises took carriages to the Halles Centrales, or union markets. These markets consist of ten pavilions intersected bystreets. There are twenty-five hundred stalls which cover twenty-twoacres, and cost fifteen million dollars. Under the markets are twelvehundred cellars for storage. The sales to wholesale dealers are made byauction early in the day, and they average about a hundred thousanddollars. Then the retail traffic begins. The supplies, some of whichcome from great distances along the Mediterranean, include meat, fish, poultry, game, oysters, vegetables, fruit, flowers, butters, creamcheese, etc. Great throngs of people, mostly in blue dresses and blouses, with baskets and bundles constantly surge past you. The whole scene isenjoyable. Everything they offer is fresh, and the prices usually arereasonable. When you make a purchase, you are made to feel that youhave conferred a favor and are repeatedly thanked for it. 

The few days that followed in Paris were days of rest, or were spentin planning for the future. The art galleries and the shops on theboulevards were repeatedly visited, theaters and rides were enjoyed, and on Friday morning, the ladies went to the railway station to takeleave of Alfonso and Leo, who left Paris for the study of art in theNetherlands. Colonel Harris and George Ingram were expected to arrivein Paris on Saturday evening. 

CHAPTER XVIII

IN BELGIUM AND HOLLAND

Reluctantly Alfonso and Leo left Lucille and May in Paris. Both were welleducated and beautiful women. It is possible that Alfonso might haveloved May Ingram had he been thrown more into her company, and so knownher better in early life, but the Harrises and Ingrams rarely met eachother in society. As for Leo, he loved Lucille, but she had erected animpassable barrier in her utterance on the steamer, "First love or none. "

Leo in a thousand ways had been kind to her, because he hoped eventuallyto win her favor, and possibly because he fully appreciated the value ofmoney. Fortunes in Europe are not so easily made, but once won, the richof the old world as a rule husband their resources better then they ofthe new world. On the whole Alfonso and Leo were glad to cut loose fromsociety obligations and be free to absorb what generations of artdevelopment in the Netherlands had to offer. 

Leaving Paris they took the express via Rheims for Brussels. Enteringthis beautiful capital of the Belgians in the northern part of the city, they took a cab that drove past the Botanic Garden down the Rue Royale tothe Hotel Bellevue which is near the Royal Palace and overlooks a park, embellished with sculptures, trees, flowers, and smooth lawns. One of themost enjoyable and profitable things for tourists to do in their travelsis to climb at least one tower or height, as the views and correctinformation thus obtained will cling longest to the memory. 

Brussels is Paris in miniature. The royal palace and park may be comparedto the Tuileries. The beautiful drive down the Boulevard de Waterloo andup Avenue Louise leads directly to the Bois de la Cambre, a lovely forestof four hundred and fifty acres, which resembles the Bois de Boulogne ofParis. Nearly six miles of old and new boulevards encircle Brussels, passing through the upper and lower portions of the city. The pleasingvariety of some of the more handsome buildings is due to the competitionfor large premiums offered for the finest façades. The resemblance ofBrussels to Paris is perhaps more apparent in the cafés, shops, andpublic amusements along the busy boulevards. West of the Royal Palace isthe picture gallery owned by the state, and by judicious and repeatedpurchases, the collection of pictures is considered superior to that ofthe famous gallery in Antwerp. In this gallery the two young artistsspent several pleasant half-days comparing the early Flemish and Dutchschools. Especially did they study portrait work by Rubens, Frans Hals, and Van der Helst. All the work by the blacksmith artist Quinten Matsysin color or iron proved of great interest to the young Americans. 

Finally Leo, who knew much of the old masters of Europe, took Alfonso tosee the Musee Wiertz, which contains all the works of a highly gifted andeccentric master. In a kind of distemper Wiertz painted Napoleon in theInfernal Region, Vision of a Beheaded Man, A Suicide, The Last Cannon, Curiosity, and Contest of Good and Evil, Hunger, Madness and Crime, etc. As Brussels is located near the center of Belgium, the city is veryconvenient to several cities that contain many works attractive topainters and architects. 

On arrival at Antwerp Alfonso and Leo rode to one of the statelycathedrals, near which a military band was playing. Before the churchstood a bronze statue of Peter Paul Rubens. The scrolls and books, which lie on the pedestal, with brush, palette, and hat, are allusionsto the varied pursuits of Rubens as diplomatist, statesman, and painter. The two young artists hastened into the cathedral to see Rubens's famouspictures, The Descent from the Cross, and The Assumption. His conceptionand arrangement were admirable, his drawing carefully done, and hiscoloring harmonious and masterly. 

Rubens, the prince of Flemish painters, was knighted. He was handsome andamiable, and his celebrity as an artist procured for him the friendshipand patronage of princes and men of distinction throughout Europe. 

Not far from the cathedral the young artists came to the museum, infront of which rises a statue to Van Dyck, pupil of Rubens. "Here, Alfonso, " said Leo, "is encouragement for you, for Van Dyck like yourselfwas the son of a wealthy man or merchant of Antwerp. He was educated inItaly, where he executed several fine portraits which I saw in Genoa asI journeyed to Paris. " Charles I. Of England appointed Van Dyckcourt-painter and knighted him. Van Dyck's ambition was to excel inhistorical works, but the demand upon him for portraits never left himmuch leisure for other subjects. How often "man proposes, but Goddisposes. "

Alfonso and Leo reached Dort or Dordrecht, which in the middle ages wasthe most powerful and wealthy commercial city in Holland. Huge raftsfloat down from the German forests, and at Dordrecht the logs are sawedby the many windmills. The Dutch province of Zealand is formed by ninelarge islands on the coast of the North Sea, and it has for its heraldicemblem a swimming lion with a motto _Luctor et Emergo_. 

Most of the province, which is created by the alluvial deposits of theScheldt, is below the sea-level, and is protected against theencroachments of the sea by vast embankments of an aggregate length of300 miles. Willows are planted along the dykes, the annual repairs ofwhich cost $425, 000. An old proverb says, "God made the land, we Dutchmade the sea. "

This fertile soil produces abundant crops of wheat and other grain. NearDort is a vast reed-forest, covering more than 100 islands, which is alsocalled, "Verdronken land, " drowned land. This area of forty square miles, once a smiling agricultural tract, was totally inundated on the 18th ofNovember, 1421. Seventy-two thriving market towns and villages weredestroyed, and 100, 000 persons perished. Leo made a sketch of the towerof Huis Merwede, the solitary and only relic of this desolate scene. 

The two artists visited Rotterdam, the second commercial city in Holland, which is fourteen miles from the North Sea and on the right bank of theMaas. An attractive quay a mile in length is the arriving and startingpoint for over 100 steamboats that connect Rotterdam with Dutch towns, the Rhine, England, France, Russia, and the Mediterranean. 

Alfonso and Leo studied the collection of portraits at Boyman's Museum, and sketched in the River Park the happy people who were grouped undertrees, by the fish ponds, and along the grassy expanses. Alfonso bought aphotograph of the illustrious Erasmus. It is about ten miles to Delft, once celebrated for its pottery and porcelain, a city to-day of 25, 000inhabitants. Here on the 10th of July, 1584, William of Orange, Founderof Dutch independence, was shot by an assassin to secure the price set onWilliam's head by Farnese. 

Our two artists visited a church in Delft to see the marble monument tothe memory of the Prince of Orange, which was inscribed "Prince William, the Father of the Fatherland. " Not far is Delft Haven which Americanslove to visit, and where the pious John Robinson blessed a brave littleband as it set sail to plant in a new world the tree of Liberty. 

At length the artists reached The Hague, which for centuries has been thefavorite residence of the Dutch princes, and to-day is occupied by thecourt, nobles, and diplomatists. No town in Holland possesses so manybroad and handsome streets, lofty and substantial blocks, and spacioussquares as The Hague. 

Alfonso and Leo hastened to Scheveningen, three miles west of The Hague, on the breezy and sandy shores of the North Sea, a clean fishing villageof neat brick houses sheltered from the sea by a lofty sand dune. Herebathing wagons are drawn by a strong horse into the ocean, where thebather can take his cool plunge. Scheveningen possesses a hundred fishingboats. The fishermen have an independent spirit and wear quaint dress. Apublic crier announces the arrival of their cargoes, which are sold atauction on the beach, often affording picturesque and amusing scenes, sketches of which were made. The luminous appearance of the sea caused byinnumerable mollusca affords great pleasure to visitors, twenty thousandof whom every year frequent this fashionable sea-bathing resort. 

The second evening after the artists' arrival at Scheveningen, as theysauntered along on the brick-paved terrace in sight of white sails andsetting sun, Alfonso was agreeably surprised to meet in company with hermother, Christine de Ruyter, a young artist, whose acquaintance he hadmade in the Louvre at Paris. 

Christine's father, prominent for a long time in the vessel trade, hadrecently died, leaving a fortune to his wife and two daughters, one ofwhom, Fredrika was already married. They were descended from the famousAdmiral de Ruyter, who in 1673 defeated the united fleets of France andEngland off the coast of Scheveningen, which fact added much of interestto their annual visit to this resort. While Leo talked with the mother, Alfonso listened to Christine, as she told much about the historic familywith which she was connected, and in return she learned somewhat of youngHarris's family and their visit to Europe. 

Christine, who was about Alfonso's age, had fair complexion, light hair, and soft blue eyes. Her beauty added refinement that education and widetravel usually furnish. 

It was seen in Alfonso's face and in his marked deference that Christinefilled his ideal of a beautiful woman. Christine and her mother and theyoung artists were registered at the Hotel de Orange, so of necessitythey were thrown into each other's company. They drove to The Hague, compared the statues of William of Orange with each other; rode alongthe elegant streets, south through the Zoological and Botanical Gardens, through the park, and to the drill grounds. A half-day was spent invisiting the "House in the Woods, " a Royal Villa, one and one-halfmiles northeast of The Hague. This palace is beautifully decorated, particularly the Orange Salon, which was painted by artists of the schoolof Rubens. 

Alfonso and Leo enjoyed their visits to the celebrated picture gallery, which contains among many Dutch paintings the famous pictures by PaulPotter and Rembrandt. Paul Potter's Bull is deservedly popular. Thispicture was once carried off to Paris, and there ranked high in theLouvre, and later the Dutch offered 60, 000 florins to Napoleon for itsrestoration. 

Christine, who was well conversant with art matters, knew the locationand artistic value of each painting and guided the young Americans toworks by Van Dyck, Rubens, the Tenniers, Holbein, and others. She wasproud of a terra-cotta head of her ancestor, Admiral de Ruyter. The partysoon reached Rembrandt's celebrated "School of Anatomy, " originallypainted for the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons. Tulp is in black coat withlace collar and broad-brimmed soft hat, dissecting a sinew of the arm ofthe corpse before him. He is explaining, with gesture of his left hand, his theory to a group of Amsterdam surgeons. No painter ever beforesucceeded in so riveting the attention of spectators in the presence ofdeath. The listeners appear altogether unconscious of the pallid corpsethat lies before them on the dissecting table. 

Invited by Christine's mother, the young artists accompanied the DeRuyters to Amsterdam, the commercial capital of Holland, with 300, 000inhabitants. They live on ninety islands formed by intersecting canals, which are crossed by three hundred bridges. The buildings rest onfoundations of piles, or trees, which fact gave rise to Erasmus's jest, that he knew a city where the people dwelt on tops of trees, like rooks. 

Alfonso took Leo into the suburbs to see diamond polishing. The machineryis run by steam, and the work is done largely by Portuguese Jews. Theseprecious stones are cut or sawed through by means of wires covered withdiamond dust, and the gems are polished by holding them against rapidlyrevolving iron disks moistened with a mixture of diamond dust and oil. 

Christine's people lived in a red brick mansion, the gable of whichcontained a portrait in relief of Admiral de Ruyter, and fronted a shadedstreet on a canal. Here the American artists were handsomely entertained. They were driven to the picture galleries and the palace or town-hall inthe Dam Square, where Louis Napoleon and Hortense once resided. From thetower which terminates in a gilded ship the artists obtained fine viewsof Northern Holland. Christine pointed out the Exchange and other objectsof interest in the city, which abounds in narrow streets and broadcanals, the latter lined with fine shade trees. Many of the tall, narrow houses have red tile roofs, quaint fork-chimneys, and they standwith gables to the canals. The docks show a forest of masts. 

The environs of the city are covered with gardens; trees adorn the roads, while poplars and willows cross or divide the fields, which are studdedwith windmills and distant spires, and everywhere are seen fertile corps, black and white cattle, and little boats creeping slowly along thecanals. 

A Hollander's wealth is often estimated by his windmills. If asked, "Howrich?" The reply comes, "Oh, he is worth ten or twelve windmills. "Holland seems alive with immense windmills. They grind corn, they sawwood, they pulverize rocks, and they are yoked to the inconstant windsand forced to contend with the water, the great enemy of the Dutch. Theyconstantly pump water from the marshes into canals, and so prevent theinundation of the inhabitants. The Hollander furnishes good illustrationof the practical value of Emerson's words, "Borrow the strength of theelements. Hitch your wagon to a star, and see the chores done by the godsthemselves. "

To the west are seen the church spires of Haarlem, and its long canal, which like a silver thread ties it to Amsterdam. To the east the towersof Utrecht are visible, and to the north glitter in the morning sun thered roofs of Zaandam and Alkmaar. 

Far away stretched the waters of the Zuider Zee, which Holland plans toreclaim by an enbankment from the extreme cape of North Holland, to theFriesland coast, so as to shut out the ocean, and thereby acquire 750, 000square miles of new land; a whole province. At present 3, 000 personsand 15, 000 vessels are employed in the Zuider Zee fisheries, the revenuesof which average $850, 000 a year. It is proposed to furnish equivalentsto satisfy these fishermen. It is estimated that this wonderfulengineering feat will extend over 33 years and cost $131, 250, 000. 

Christine now conducted her artist friends out of the Palace and over tothe Rijks Museum to see Rembrandt's largest and best work, his "NightWatch. " It is on the right as you enter, covering the side of the room. It represents a company of arquebusiers, energetically emerging fromtheir Guild House on the Singel. The light and shade of the Night Watchis so treated as to form a most effective dramatic scene, which, sinceits creation, in 1642, has been enthusiastically admired by all artconnoisseurs. 

Rembrandt was the son of a miller, and his studio was in his father'swind-mill, where light came in at a single narrow window. By closeobservation he became master of light and shade, and excelled in vigorand realism. At $50 a year he taught pupils who flocked to him from allparts of Europe, but, like too many possessed of fine genius, he died inpoverty. Later, London paid $25, 000 for a single one of his six hundredand forty paintings. The Dutch painters put on canvas the everydayhome-life and manners of their people, while the Flemish represented morethe religious life of the lower Netherlands. 

These journeys in Belgium gave Alfonso and Leo enlarged ideas as to thepossibilities of portrait painting. In Alma Tadema, of Dutch descent, andMillais they saw modern examples of wonderful success, which made clearto them that the high art of portrait painting once acquired, both fameand fortune are sure to follow. 

Christine de Ruyter had taken lessons of the best masters in Holland, Italy, and France. Few, if any women artists of her age, equalled orexcelled her. Her conversations on art in the Netherlands charmed hertwo artist friends. She said, "The works of art of the fifteenth andseventeenth centuries in the Netherlands seemed to grow out of the verysoil of the low countries. Our old artists revelled in the variedcostumes and manifold types that thronged the cities of the HanseaticLeague. The artist's imagination was fascinated by the wealth of color hesaw on sturdy laborers, on weather-beaten mariners, burly citizens, andsagacious traders. 

"Rubens delighted often in a concentrated light, and was master ofartistic material along the whole range. He painted well portraits, landscapes, battles of heroes, gallant love-making of the noble, and thecoarse pleasures of the vulgar. Nearly a thousand pictures bear the nameof Rubens. 

"The artistic labor of Frans Hals of Haarlem extended over half acentury. He possessed the utmost vivacity of conception, purity of color, and breadth of execution, as shown in his latest works, and so well didhe handle his brush that drawing seems almost lost in a maze of colortone. The throng of genre painters, who have secured for Dutch art itsgreatest triumph, are well nigh innumerable. "

Christine was very fond of flower-pieces, and had painted lovelymarguerites on Gertrude's white dress, in Alfonso's full length pictureof his sister, which he was soon to carry to Paris as his weddingpresent. 

Leo and Alfonso much wished to extend their journey north to Copenhagenand Stockholm, the "Venice of the North, " but letters urging a speedyreturn to the marriage of George and Gertrude in Paris, forced the twoartists to shorten their journey, say good-bye to their kind friends ofAmsterdam, and hasten back to Paris, taking portraits of their own skillas wedding gifts. 

CHAPTER XIX

PARIS AND THE WEDDING

Friday morning, Alfonso and Leo were missed at the table, and during theday as guides. Early every day while in Paris, Alfonso had bouquets offresh flowers sent to the rooms of his mother, sisters, and May Ingram. After his departure the flowers did not come, so Gertrude and May beforebreakfast walked down the boulevard to the flower show, near theMadeleine, where twice a week are gathered many flower carts in charge ofcourteous peasant women. The flowers of Paris are usually cheap. A franc, eighteen cents, buys a bunch of pansies, or roses in bud or full bloom, or marguerites. The latter are similar to the English ox-eyed daisy, afavorite flower with the French, also with Gertrude, who often pinned abunch on May Ingram. In mid-winter Parisian gardeners delight in forcingthousands of white lilac blossoms, which are sold in European capitalsfor holiday gifts. 

Gertrude and May hurried back to the hotel as happy as the birds in thetrees of the boulevard. When Gertrude reached her mother, a telegram wasgiven her from George which read:

 City of Brussels. 

 _Gertrude_, --

 We expect to arrive in Paris Saturday evening 6 o'clock. Alfonso and Leo here. All well. Grand trip. Love to all. 

 George. 

Mrs. Harris and her young ladies planned to give most of the day to thepurchase of Gertrude's trousseau and other needed articles. May Ingramthought it was "just lovely" to be with Gertrude in Paris, and help herselect the wedding outfit. Earlier than usual on Friday morning theHarrises left the hotel. All four women were somewhat excited, as Mrs. Harris and Gertrude led the way, Lucille and May following, to M. Worth'sestablishment, located at Rue de la Paix 7. 

Lucille said, "It is strange indeed that, in view of the French ridiculemade of the English on account of their lack of taste in dress, the bestdressmakers in Paris should be Englishmen. "

Chief among all the Parisian dressmakers is Charles Frederick Worth, whowas born in 1825, at Bourne, Lincolnshire. He came to Paris in 1858, andopened business with fifty employees combining the selling of fine dressmaterial and the making of it. Worth now employs twelve hundred persons, and turns out annually over six thousand dresses and nearly four thousandcloaks; his sons ably assist him. 

Rare fabrics and designs in silk and other choice material are woven, andartistic ornaments are made especially for M. Worth. Paris, as the centerof fashion, is greatly indebted to him, who gained in his line world-widefame, and for nearly half a century he has been universally recognized byhis competitors and the fair sex as master of his art. Kingdoms, empires, republics, and cabinets in swift succession followed each other, but theestablishment of M. Worth maintained its proud position against allchanges and rivals. He was helped to the highest pedestal of dictatorof fashions by Mme. De Pourtales and Princess Pauline Metternich, bothof whom possessed a keen sense of the fitness of texture, color, andcut, and with delicate hands could tone and modify till perfection wasreached. The former introduced M. Worth to Empress Eugenie, for whom, and for the ladies of whose court, he designed state, dinner, and fancycostumes. 

That M. Worth possessed rare artistic taste aside from dressmaking isevidenced in the beauty of his rural home at Suresnes on the Seine, sevenand a half miles from Paris. It is a superb work of harmony and is likea charming mosaic, every piece fitting into every other piece. He washis own architect, designer, upholsterer, and gardener. His villa liesbeneath Mt. Valerien, one of the finest sites near Paris, and the outlookon the Seine, the Bois de Boulogne, and Paris, is a dream of beauty. 

Hurriedly passing down the Rue de la Paix, the stately Column Vendome inthe vista, the Harris party entered M. Worth's establishment, to whichwomen, from actress to empress, make pilgrimages from the end of theworld. 

What a medley of people were already assembled! English duchesses, Russian princesses, Austrians, Spanish and Levantine aristocracy; wivesand daughters of American railroad kings, of oil magnates, and of coalbarons; brunette beauties from India, Japan, South America, and evenfair Australians, all unconsciously assuming an air of ecstasy as theyrevelled in the fabric and fashion of dress; and stalking among them, that presiding genius, M. Worth, who in his mitre-shaped cap of blackvelvet, and half mantle or robe, strikingly resembled the great painterHogarth. 

Mrs. Harris sent forward her letter of introduction from her husband'sNew York banker, and soon she and her friends were ushered into thepresence of M. Worth himself. He seemed very gracious, asking aboutseveral good friends of his in America, and added, "Americans are my bestclients, though we dispatch dresses to all parts of the world. "

Gertrude inquired as to the origin of fashion. M. Worth answeredcautiously, "When new fabrics or designs of material are invented, somerequire a severe style, and some are adapted for draperies, puffings, etc. , and then the stage has great influence over fashion. "

May Ingram said, "Mr. Worth, how do you arrange designs?" He answered, "All my models are first made in black and white muslin, and then copiedin the material and coloring which I select. In a studio our models arephotographed for future reference. "

Saying this, he excused himself to welcome new arrivals, first havingplaced the Harrises in charge of a competent assistant. M. Worth's manyrooms were plainly furnished with counters for measuring materials. Thefloors were covered with a gray and black carpet, in imitation of atiger's skin, with a scarlet border. Several young women dressed in thelatest style of morning, visiting, dinner, and reception toilets, passedup and down before clients to enable them to judge of effects. Mrs. Harris explained that one daughter desired, at an early date, a weddingdress and that the other members of her party wanted gowns. 

Friday and Saturday were occupied at Worth's in selecting dresses, andelsewhere in search of gloves and other essentials. A delightful hour wasspent among the many makers of artificial flowers. Skilled fingers makefrom wire and silk stems and stamens and dies, shape leaves and petalswhich are darkened by a camel's hair pencil, or lightened by a drop ofwater. Capable botanists and chemists are employed, and nature herself isrivaled in delicate construction and fragrance even. 

In their round of shopping, the Harrises saw an ideal robe being made foran American belle. It was composed entirely of flowers, a skirt of rosesof different tints, with a waist of lovely rose buds, and over all a veilwith crystal drops in imitation of the morning dew. "A gem of a dress forsome fairy, " thought Lucille. 

Promptly at six o'clock Gertrude and Lucille drove to the railwaystation, and welcomed back George and Colonel Harris, and after dinnerall went to the opera. Between the acts Gertrude and George told muchof their late experiences. George said that Colonel Harris had becomegreatly interested in their scheme to build in America an ideal plant andtown, and that he was anxious to return home as he felt that one's workmust be done early, as life was short at best. 

Gertrude explained to George all that had been done in preparing for thewedding, and said that she would be ready soon, that her mother andLucille approved of their wedding trip of two weeks in Switzerland, andthen Gertrude added, "I shall be ready, George, when you are, to returnto America and to aid you all I can. "

Colonel Harris suggested a ride to Versailles, and Monday morning at nineo'clock Gaze's coach and four drove to the Grand Hotel, and six outsideseats which had been reserved for the Harris party were filled. Thecoachman drove down the Avenue de l'Opera and into the Place duCarrousel, stopping a moment that all might admire the artistic pavilionsof the Louvre, and the statue to the memory of Leon Gambetta, "Father ofthe Republic. " Thence they rode out of the Court of the Tuileries, acrossthe Place de la Concord, and down the charming Champs Elysées. On theleft stands the Palais de l'Industrie, where the salon or annualexhibition of modern paintings and sculptures occurs in May and June. Onthe right is the Palais de l'Elysée, the official residence of the Frenchpresident. 

George recalled that in these gardens of Paris, in 1814, EmperorsAlexander and Francis, King Frederick III. , and others sang a _Te Deum_, in thanksgiving for their great victory over Napoleon I. ; that herethe English, Prussian, and Russian troops bivouacked, and that in thespring of 1871, Emperor William and his brilliant staff led the Germantroops beneath the Arc de Triomphe, while the German bands played "DieWacht am Rhine. "

The coach passed through the Bois de Boulogne, in sight of lovely lakes, quaint old windmills, and across famous Longchamps, where after theFranco-German War under a bright sky, in the presence of the Frenchpresident, his cabinet, the senate and chamber of deputies, in fulldress, and a million of enthusiastic citizens, Grevy and Gambettapresented several hundred silk banners to the French army. Thence thedrive was along the left bank of the river till the ruins of St. Cloudwere reached, where Napoleon III. Unwittingly signed his abdication whenhe declared war against Prussia. 

Climbing the hills through fine old forests after fourteen miles oftravel southwest of Paris, the coach reached Versailles. Here thatmagnificent monarch, Louis XIV. Lavished hundreds of millions onpalaces, parks, fountains, and statues, and here the Harrises studied thebrilliant pictorial history of France. In the Grand Gallery, whichcommands beautiful views of garden and water, are effective paintingsin the ceiling, which represent the splendid achievements of Louis XIV. In this same Hall of Glass, beneath Le Brun's color history of the defeatof the Germans by the French, occurred in 1871 a bit of fine poeticjustice, when King William of Prussia, with the consent of the GermanStates, was saluted as Emperor of reunited Germany. After visiting theGrand Trianon the home of Madame de Maintenon, the coach returned viaSevres, famous for its wonderful porcelain, and reached Paris at sunset. The day was one long to be remembered. 

The Paris mornings were spent either in visits to the Louvre or indriving. George and Gertrude walked much in Paris. Monday morning allresolved to enjoy on foot the Boulevards from the Grand Hotel to thePlace de la Republique. It was a field-day for the women, for every shophad its strong temptation, and the world seemed on dress-parade. Boulevard des Italiens in Paris is the most frequented and fashionable. Here are located handsome hotels and cafés, and many of the choicest andmost expensive shops. Several of these were visited, and many presentswere sent back to the hotel for friends at home. 

At noon the Harrises took a simple lunch at one of the popular Duvalrestaurants. While the ladies continued their purchases, Colonel Harrisand George visited the Bourse, or exchange, a noble building. Business atthis stock exchange opens at twelve o'clock and closes at three o'clock. The loud vociferations of brokers, the quick gestures of excitedspeculators, and the babel of tongues produced a deafening noise, likethat heard at the stock exchange in New York. 

By appointment the ladies called at the exchange, and a coach took theparty to the Place de la Republique, where stands a superb statue of theRepublic, surrounded with seated figures of Liberty, Fraternity, andEquality. Colonel Harris had often noticed these remarkable words cutinto many of the public buildings of Paris, and he remarked that thelesson taught by them was as injurious as that taught in the Declarationof Independence, which declares, that "all men are created equal. "

Along the broadest parts of some boulevards and in public parks manychairs are placed for hire. On all the boulevards are numerous pillars, and small glass stalls, called kiosques, where newspapers are sold. Thepillars and kiosques are covered with attractive advertisements. In thesekiosques are sold, usually by women and children, many of the 750 papersand periodicals of Paris. Fifty of these papers are political. The_Gazette_ is two hundred and sixty-four years old, established in 1631. _Le Temps_, "The Times, " an evening paper, is English-like, and widelyknown. _Le Journal des Debats_, "The Journal of Debate, " appears incorrect and elegant language, and it usually discusses questions offoreign as well as of home politics. Papers called _Petite_, or "Little, "have an immense circulation. Over a half million copies of _Le PetiteJournal_ are sold daily. Frenchmen at home or abroad are not happywithout their _Figaro_, which is read for its news of amusements, spicygossip, and the odor of the boulevards. The sensitive and powerful pressof Paris has often provoked political changes and revolutions. 

To study better the important revolution for liberty which occurred onthe ever memorable 14th of July, 1789, the Harrises drove along theboulevard till they approached the Bastille, formerly the site of acastle, or stronghold, used for a long time as a state prison for theconfinement of persons who fell victims to the caprice of the government. 

The graceful bronze July Column is 154 feet in height, and itcommemorates the destruction of the Bastille, symbol of despotism. Astrong desire for independence raised the cry "Down with the Bastille, "and the advancing tide of revolution overcame the moats, the walls, theguns, and the garrison, and freedom was victorious. On the column thenames of the fallen "July Heroes" are emblazoned in gilded letters. Inlarge vaults beneath are buried the heroes of 1789, with the victims ofthe later revolution of 1848. The capital of the column is crowned withan artistic Genius of Liberty standing on a globe, and holding in onehand the broken chains of slavery, and in the other the torch ofenlightenment. 

All the boulevards were crowded with artisans in blue blouses, hurryingto their homes, as the Harrises drove along the quays to Notre Dame. Theywere in time to witness the sun burnish with his golden rays the gracefulspire, the majestic tower, and elegant façade, and to enjoy the harmonyof its grand organ within. To know Notre Dame, founded seven centuriesago, is to learn well the history of Paris, and to study the monuments ofParis alone, is to acquire the history of France. 

Every day some of the Harris party visited the vast Louvre, the mostimportant public building of Paris, both architecturally and on accountof its wonderful art treasures which are the most extensive and valuablein the world. Thus two weeks went swiftly by in sight-seeing, and inpreparation for the marriage. 

The private parlors, banquet hall, and several rooms for guests of theGrand Hotel had been secured for Gertrude's wedding, which was to takeplace on George's birthday. Though superstition for ages had placedbirthdays under a ban, yet Gertrude herself preferred this day, and allconcurred. Beautiful presents had already arrived from America, andletters from schoolmates and friends, several of whom, however, had senttheir presents to Harrisville. Nearly a thousand invitations in all, mostly to friends in America, had been mailed, including a hundred tofriends traveling on the British Isles, and on the continent. May Ingramhad met in London Claude Searles, son of Hugh Searles, and a graduate ofOxford University. She had an invitation mailed to Claude, and hepromised to come. 

Alfonso and Leo arrived from Holland the night before, and each broughtpaintings of their own skill as presents. Alfonso had done an exquisitefull-length portrait of Gertrude in white, the dress, the same that shewore at Smith College graduation. All wondered about Leo's gift. Gertrudeherself cut the strings, and pushed back the paper, while her sisterLucille looked first at her own beautiful likeness and then at Leo. Herface grew crimson, as she said, "Leo, this is just what I most wanted forGertrude. Thank you! Thank you!" and she came near kissing the handsomeartist. 

The mother had bought a plentiful supply of those things which daughtersmost need. The father's gift was the promised check for $1000, and amysterious long blue envelope sealed, with the name "Mrs. GertrudeIngram" written on the outside. Underneath her name were the tantalizingwords, "To be opened when she reaches New York. "

"Oh, I so wonder what is inside, " said Gertrude. 

May Ingram's gift was unique; a mahogany box, inlaid with the rareedelweiss, encasing a Swiss phonograph, that was adjusted to play "Elsa'sDream Song" from Lohengrin on Gertrude's marriage anniversary, till hergolden wedding should occur. 

Next morning after the sun had gilded the domes and spires of Paris, theHarrises sat at breakfast in a private room, fragrant with fresh cutflowers. Gertrude wore at her throat her lover's gift, and she neverlooked prettier or happier. All the morning till 11 o'clock everybody wasbusy, when the ushers and friends began to arrive. Soon came the Americanambassador, his wife and children. At 11:45 a bishop of New York City, Claude Searles of London, and intimate friends of the Harrises and GeorgeIngram followed, till the private parlors were full. 

The orchestra of twenty pieces of Grand Opera House, stationed in thereception hall, played the "Largo" of Handel. In the third parlor fromthe ceiling were suspended ropes or garlands of smilax and bride's roses, which formed a dainty canopy. White satin ribbons festooned on two rowsof potted marguerites made a bridal pathway direct from the foot of thestairway to the dais beneath the canopy. 

On the low platform stood the bishop and the manly bridegroom expectant, when a voice at the foot of the stairway, accompanied by threeinstruments, sang the Elsa's Dream Song. The wedding party camedownstairs as the orchestra played Wagner's Wedding March. The bride wasdressed in duchess satin of soft ivory tone, the bodice high and longsleeves, with trimming of jewelled point lace. The bridesmaids wore paleyellow cloth, with reveres and cuffs of daffodil yellow satin and whiteVenetian point. Mrs. Harris wore a gown of heliotrope brocaded silk, trimmed with rich lace and a bodice of velvet. 

The wedding party took their places and Mme. Melba accompanied by piano, harp, and violin sang Gounod's "Ave Maria. "

The bishop addressed a few earnest words to the couple before him, spokeof responsibilities and obligations, and then the formal questions ofmarriage, in distinct voice, were put to George and Gertrude. 

Mr. And Mrs. George Ingram received hearty congratulations. The guestsretired to the banquet hall where breakfast was served. One table withmarguerites was reserved for bride and bridegroom, ushers, andbridesmaids. Before the breakfast was ended the bride and bridegroom hadescaped, but soon returned, the bride in a traveling gown of blue cloth. Volleys of rice followed the bridal pair, and more rice pelted thewindows of the coach as it drove to the express train which was to conveythe happy pair to Fontainebleau for a day, and thence into Switzerland. In the evening Colonel Harris entertained a large party of friends at thenew opera house. The Harrises next morning left for southern France. 

Before the marriage day George and Gertrude had carefully provided inParis for the welfare of May Ingram whom both loved. And well they might, for May had a noble nature, and her music teachers in Boston, who hadexerted their best efforts in her behalf, believed that she possessedrare talents, which, if properly developed, would some day make herconspicuous in the American galaxy of primadonnas. 

They had secured for May sunny rooms at a pension in the BoulevardHaussmann, where a motherly French woman resided with her two daughters. In beautiful Paris, May Ingram was to live and study, hoping to realizethe dreams of her childhood, a first rank in grand opera. 

CHAPTER XX

ABOARD THE YACHT "HALLENA"

Before leaving Paris Colonel Harris was solicitous that his son Alfonsoshould accompany him to Rome, and Leo urged the artistic advantage of atrip to Italy, but Alfonso had attractions in Holland of which the fatherknew not. Leo, of course, had his suspicion, but did not wish to betrayhis friend, and so Alfonso returned to the Netherlands ostensibly tostudy art. 

Before leaving New York it was frequently stated by Leo that when hereached Rome he hoped to be able to even up favors with Alfonso by aseries of visits among his relatives, the famous Colonna family. WhileLeo regretted seriously to lose this opportunity, he was quick to seethat the change of plans would leave him much in Lucille's company, thething that gave him most pleasure. Lucille before leaving Harrisville hada severe attack of the grip, and Mrs. Harris hoped the journey abroadwould prove beneficial to her health. 

The ocean voyage had brought the roses back to her cheeks, but therailway trips, the over-work of sight-seeing, and especially theexcitement of the Paris wedding, had renewed frequent complaints of heartdifficulty, and at night Lucille was restless and failed to securesatisfactory sleep. Of course the mother was anxious, and was glad whenthe express arrived at Nice, on the Mediterranean. Fortunately this wasnot the fashionable season, so quiet quarters were secured overlookingthe terraced promenade, the small harbor open to the southeast, and thesmooth sea beyond. Here Mrs. Harris hoped that her daughter wouldspeedily recover her health. 

Nice is charmingly situated in a small plain near the French frontier atthe foot of the triple-ridged mountains, which shelter the city on thenorth and east against northern winds, while the river Paglion boundsNice on the west. Far beyond stretch the snow-clad peaks of the MaritimeAlps. 

In the cold season thousands of foreigners, especially the English, visitthis winter paradise. On the high background are Roman ruins and an oldcastle enclosed by bastioned walls; leading to two squares, one of whichis surrounded with porticoes, are streets embellished with theater, public library, baths, and handsome homes that are frescoed externally. In Nice the patriot Garibaldi first saw the light, and just above thetown on a sunny hillside lies buried the illustrious Gambetta. 

Lucille was soon able to sit on the portico and watch the vessels in theharbor come and go, also parties of excursionists in pleasure boats, andwell dressed people in the shade of the great palms on the adjacentpromenade. Thus hours went pleasantly by while Leo often playeddelightfully on his guitar. 

Few if any places in the world are like the Riviera where in wintermonths royalty and aristocracy gather. Here come the gay world of fashionand the delicate in health to beg of death a respite of a few more days. The physician in attendance upon Lucille advised much outdoor air, andfrequent coach rides along the shore were taken to Cannes, to Monaco, andMentone. 

In the seaport town of Cannes, a bright gem set in groves of olives andoranges, Napoleon landed from Elba on the first of March, 1815. Thetri-color of France was again thrown to the breeze, and en route to ParisNapoleon received on every hand the renewed allegiance of officers andgarrisons. The French were wild with excitement, but Europe was filledwith amazement. Again France was conquered without the shedding of blood, a victory unparalleled in history. 

Lucille particularly enjoyed the ride of eight miles east along thepeaceful Mediterranean, also the visit to Monaco, capital of theprincipality of its own name, with an area of about 34, 000 acres. Monacois beautifully situated on a promontory in the sea, and has an attractivepalace and cultivated terraces. The ruling prince resides here six monthsand at Paris the other six months. 

Monte Carlo is a veritable bit of paradise so far as nature and art canwork wonders. Around this famous gambling resort grow aloes, orangetrees, and tufted palms. Within the handsome casino weak humanity of allnationalities is allured by glittering promises of wealth. No wondera dozen or more suicides occur every month. 

It was three o'clock on the sixth day of the stay at Nice, when ColonelHarris sitting on the porch of the hotel and using a marine glass, discovered to the southwest a tiny craft rapidly approaching Nice. Forthree days he had been anxiously watching and waiting for the arrival ofthe "Hallena, " built at Harrisville for the son of his special friend Mr. Harry Hall. 

Before leaving Paris, Harry Hall Jr. Had invited the colonel's family tocoast along the Mediterranean in his new yacht. It was arranged that the"Hallena" should touch at Nice and take aboard the colonel's family. Young Mr. Hall was to rejoin his yacht at Gibraltar, and doubtless he wasnow aboard. 

The colonel grew nervous as he observed the approach of the little boat. It had been agreed between Harris and Hall that the yacht would fly theUnion Jack at the bow, the national banner at the flag-staff, and astreamer bearing the yacht's name at the mast-head. 

As the colonel again wiped the dust from his glasses, Lucille said, "Father, please let me try the glass, perhaps my eyes are better. " WhileLucille eagerly looked toward the yacht, Leo watched every motion, as themention of young Hall's name in connection with his great wealth hadawakened jealousy in his heart. 

Suddenly Lucille shouted, "There she is! I can see the stars and stripes;how welcome is the dear old flag, we see it abroad so rarely!"

"Hasten, Leo, " said the colonel, "and ask the hotel proprietor to raisethe stars and stripes over his hotel. "

Colonel Harris had promised Mr. Hall to do this, and so advise him wherethe Harris family were stopping. No sooner was the red, white, and bluegiven to the breeze above the hotel, than a puff of white smoke was seenon the yacht, and then came the report of a gun in response to Harris'sflag signal. Bills were paid at once, and the Harrises took carriage downto the landing. As the "Hallena" glided in between the piers, she was asgraceful as a swan, or as Leo expressed it, "as pretty as a pirate. "

Harris himself when at home saw the yacht launched, and he was as proudof her behavior then as were the officers of the Harrisville ShipBuilding Company. 

The yacht had now approached so near that Colonel Harris and Harry Hallsaluted each other, and in five minutes the Harris and Hall parties wereexchanging cordial greetings on the deck of the "Hallena. " "CaptainHall, " as Harry was known at sea, was very cordial to all. Colonel Harriswas glad again to meet some of his old Harrisville business friends. 

Luke Henley and wife were of the Hall party. He was stout, resolute, andambitious; his wife womanly and well dressed. Henley early learned thatmoney was power. Combining what he fell heir to with his wife's fortune, and what he had made by bold ventures in the steel, ore, and coal trade, he was enabled to live in a fine villa, overlooking the water, and tocarry on an immense business on the inland lakes. 

His business, however, was used as a cover to his real designs in life. Influential in the local politics of Harrisville he had experienced thekeen pleasure of wielding the silver sceptre of power, and he longed notonly to be the "power behind the throne, " but to sit on the throne itselfand guide the Ship of State. 

Major Williams also was one of the "Hallena" party. He was young, slender, and had a cheerful smile for everybody. He had climbed to thepresidency of the Harrisville Bank which had thousands of depositors, andwhich wielded a gigantic financial power. 

It was decided not to start for Genoa till the next morning. Dinner wassoon announced and Captain Hall offered his arm to Lucille, whom heplaced at his right hand, and Mrs. Harris at his left. The dinner hourand part of the evening were spent in pleasant reminiscences of whateach had seen since leaving Harrisville. The marriage of George Ingramand Gertrude was also a suggestive topic, and many agreeable things werespoken. Captain Hall was present at the Paris wedding, and it was thestately beauty of Lucille more than all else that prompted him to invitethe Harrises to take the Mediterranean cruise. 

Some of the mothers of fine daughters in Harrisville had exhausted theirwits in trying to entrap Harry Hall, who was impartially attentive toall, but was never known to pay marked attention to any young lady. ThatCaptain Hall should overlook the other women on the yacht, and placeLucille at his right hand was so marked that Major Williams after dinner, lighting his cigar, said, "Henley, why wouldn't Harry and Lucille make agood match?" "Lucille is a beautiful girl, " was all Henley said, and asthe lights of Nice disappeared, the "Hallena" party retired for thenight. 

An early breakfast was ordered as everybody wished to be early on deck towitness the yacht's departure for Genoa. As the "Hallena" responded toher helm, the United States consul at Nice hoisted and lowered the flagthrice, as a _bon voyage_ to the American yacht, and the consul queriedwhether the American statesman was yet born who was wise enough tointroduce and maintain such a national policy as would multiply hiscountry's commerce and flag on the sea. Patriotic Americans stopping atMonaco also responded with flag and gun, as the "Hallena" steamed swiftlyaway. 

The sun had reached the zenith, when Captain Hall sighted Genoa, and hecalled Lucille to stand with him on the bridge. "Superb Genoa! Worthybirthplace of our Columbus, " said Lucille. 

"Yes, " said Harry, "Genoa is older than Borne; she was the rival ofVenice, and the mother of colonies. "

As the "Hallena" approached this strongly fortified city of northernItaly, the capacious harbor was a forest of masts, and a crazy-quilt offoreign flags, but not one ship was flying the stars and stripes, a factwhich saddened the hearts of the tourists. The "Hallena" steamed past thelighthouse and moles that protect the harbor, and all the guests ofCaptain Hall stood on the forward deck admiring the city with itspalaces, churches, white blocks, and picturesque villas that occupy landwhich gradually rises and recedes from the bay. 

On landing, the officials were very courteous, and gave Captain Hall andhis party no trouble when it was learned that that "Hallena" broughttravelers only. The Genoese are very proud of their city and its pasthistory, and they are courteous to Americans, especially so since theColumbian World's Fair. 

The tourists found the streets in the older part of Genoa narrow, seldommore than ten feet wide, with lofty buildings on either side. But in thenew portions, especially on the wide Strada Nuova and the Strada Balbi, the palaces and edifices present fine architecture. 

Nearly a day was spent in driving about Genoa with its flower-crownedterraces. It was after five o'clock when the party stood before the noblestatue of Columbus recently dedicated in a prominent square filled withpalms and flowering shrubs, and near the principal railway station. Herethe statue welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest. Its designis admirable. Surmounting a short shaft is Columbus leaning upon ananchor, and pointing with his right hand to the figure of America; belowhim are discerned encircling the shaft ornaments symbolic of Columbus'slittle fleet, while other statues represent science, religion, courage, and geography; between them are scenes in bass-relief of his adventurouscareer. 

Dinner was taken aboard the yacht as it steamed away from Genoa. Theflowers that Harry had bought for Lucille's stateroom she thoughtfullyplaced on the table, and with the porcelain they added artistic effect. The day's experiences were reviewed, and, as the appetizing courseswere served, the conversation drifted back to the World's Columbian Fairwhich all had attended. Many of the wonders of the "White City" wererecounted, and Henley in his off-hand manner repeated a complimentwhich was paid by a cultivated Parisian who visited the Fair. TheFrenchman said that at the last Paris Exposition, he saw immense andunsightly structures, such as one might expect to find in far-offChicago, but that at the Columbian World's Fair, he beheld buildingssuch as his own artistic Paris and France should have furnished; that theColumbian Fair was an artistic triumph that had never been paralleledexcept in the days of imperial Rome by her grand temples, palaces, arches, bridges, and statues. 

"The Parisian is right, and he pays America a most deserved compliment. Never was so elegant a panorama enrolled as at Chicago, " respondedColonel Harris. 

"You are correct, Colonel, " said Captain Hall, "the triumph of ourExposition was largely due to the masterly supervision which evokeduniformity of design and harmonious groupings by employing only thoseof our architects, sculptors, painters, and landscape gardeners, whopossessed the highest skill. "

Leo ventured to add that the "White City" seemed to him dream-like andthat under the magical influence of Columbus, as patron-saint, allnationality, creed, and sex, were harmoniously blended in ideal beautyand grandeur. 

Lucille, who had just sipped the last of her chocolate, also boretestimony, and Harry watched her admiringly as she said, "At times, especially in the evening, when thousands of incandescent lights outlinedthe Court of Honor with its golden Goddess of the Republic and thefaçades, turrets, and domes, it seemed to some of us as if we had steppedout upon a neighboring planet, where civilization and art had beenpurified, or that the veil was lifted and we were gazing upon theglories of the New Jerusalem. "

The ladies now sought the deck of the "Hallena, " and were soon followedby the gentlemen, who smoked their fragrant Havanas, enjoying everymoment's vacation from business anxieties at home. The yacht, like aslender greyhound, in charge of the first officer was swiftly runningtowards the Isle of Elba, en route to Naples. The stars never shone morebrilliantly in the Italian sky, and land breezes were mingling their richodors with the salt sea air. 

The spell of Columbus's great discovery stirred the soul of Harry Hall. Holding his half-smoked cigar, he repeated the familiar couplet, "Man's inhumanity to man Makes countless thousands mourn. "

"Strange that four centuries go by before even Genoa erects his monument, which we have admired to-day; though monuments to the memory of Columbushave been erected in many cities, yet, how tardy the world was toappreciate the value of Columbus's discovery, a third of the land of theglobe. How pitiful the last days of Columbus, who, old and ill, returningin 1504 from his fourth voyage to the new world, found his patronessIsabella dying, and Ferdinand heartless. With no money to pay his bills, Columbus died May 20th, 1505, in poor quarters at Valladolid, his lastwords being, 'Into thy hands, O Lord, I commit my spirit. ' It is nownatural perhaps that many cities should claim his birth and his bones. "

"Yes, " said Lucille, "how encouraging some of the world's kind epitaphswould be if they were only spoken before death came. Two hemispheres noweagerly study the inspiring story of Columbus's faith, courage, perseverance, and success. "

Henley said, "Captain Hall, you are young yet, but by the time you reachmy age you will have little use for the sentiment young people so oftenindulge in. When New York tries her hand with expositions she willdoubtless deal with facts. The truth is, Columbus was human like therest of us, and followed in the wake of others for his own personalaggrandizement. He was not the first man to discover America. TheNorsemen antedated him by five centuries. "

"What if the Norsemen did first discover America?" said Colonel Harris. "The discoveries of the vikings were not utilized by civilization. It isheld by the courts that a patent is valid only in the name of theinventor who first gives the invention a useful introduction. Columbus'sdiscovery was fortunately made at a time when civilization was able withmen and money to follow up and appropriate its advantages. "

"The true discoverer of America, " said Henley, "I believe to be JeanCousin, a sea captain of Dieppe, France, who crossed the Atlantic andsailed into the Amazon River in 1488, four years before Columbus reachedSan Salvador. Then Spain, Portugal, the States of the Church, Ferdinand, Isabella, and Columbus attempted to rob Cousin of his bold adventure. Inbrief these are the facts: Jean Cousin was an able and scientificnavigator. In 1487 his skill so contributed in securing a naval victoryfor the French over the English that the reward for his personal valorwas the gift of an armed ship from the merchants of Dieppe, who expectedhim to go forth in search of new discoveries. [A]

[Footnote A: _The True Discovery of America. _ Captain R. N. Gambier. _Fortnightly Review_, January 1, 1894. ]

"In January, 1488, Cousin sailed west out into the Atlantic, and south, for two months with Vincent Pinzon a practical sailor, second in command. He sailed up the Amazon River, secured strange birds, feathers, spices, and unknown woods, and returned to the coast of Africa for a cargo ofivory, oil, skins, and gold dust. Pinzon quarreled with the natives, fired upon them, and seized some of their goods, so that they fled andwould not come back to him. He thus lost a valuable return cargo. AtDieppe the merchants were enraged; Pinzon was tried by court martial forimperilling the trade of Africa, and banished from French soil. Hethirsted for revenge and went back to Palos to tell his brothers Alonzoand Martin, shipowners, of the mighty Amazon; often they speculated as tothe vast lands which the Amazon drained. 

"Columbus, discouraged, ridiculed, and begging his way, started out tomeet at Huelva his brother-in-law and secure promised help, so that hecould visit France. Suddenly he changed his route, stopped at the littleconvent La Rabida, met Juan Perez, who knew Queen Isabella, and Fernandezthe priest, the latter a close friend of the three Pinzon brothers. Columbus got what he wanted at court, returned to Palos, and with thePinzon brothers sailed west, with Vincent Pinzon, Cousin's shipmate, aspilot. The conclusion that Jean Cousin, and not Columbus first discoveredAmerica, seems irresistible. Pope Alexander VI. , by Papal bull, hadalready divided all the new discoveries made, between Catholic Spain andPortugal. Dieppe and France were in the Pope's black books. What chanceof recognition had Cousin against Columbus, the protégé of this Pope?"

"You seem to win your case, " said Major Williams, "what romance inhistory will be left us? William Tell is now a myth, and Washington'slittle hatchet story is no more. "

Lucille quieted Leo with a smile, cigars were thrown overboard, the lighton the Isle of Elba was visible, and all retired for the night, while thealert yacht, like a whirring night-hawk, flew on towards Naples. 

On the yacht "Hallena" early to bed and early to rise was an unwrittenlaw. By six o'clock next morning, breakfast had been served, and thetourists were on deck with glasses, each anxious to discover objects ofinterest. During the night busy Leghorn on the coast, and Pisa, andFlorence up the Arno, were left behind. Leo was proud of sunny andartistic Italy and he much desired that Lucille should see at Pisa thefamous white marble leaning tower, with its beautiful spiral colonnades;its noble cathedral and baptistry, the latter famous for its wonderfulecho, and the celebrated cemetery made of earth brought from the HolyLand. At Florence she should see the stupendous Duomo, with theBrunelleschi dome that excited the emulation of Michael Angelo; thebronze gates of Ghiberti, "worthy to be the gates of paradise, " and thechoice collections of art in the Pitti Palace and the Uffizi Galleryconnected by Porte Vecchio. But Leo contented himself with the thoughtthat when the yacht episode was over, and Harry Hall had passed out ofsight, he could then take Lucille over Italy to enjoy a thousand-and-oneworks of art, including masterpieces by such artists as Michael Angelo, Raphael, Titian, Correggio, Guido, and others. 

Lucille had studied art in Boston, and she was fond of Leo because hepassionately loved art and could assist her. She began to comprehend whatAristotle meant when he defined art as "the reason of the thing, withoutthe matter, " or Emerson, "the conscious utterance of thought, by speech, or action, to any end. "

CHAPTER XXI

TWO UNANSWERED LETTERS

During the night the yacht "Hallena" had steamed down through the ChannelPiombino, and the Tuscan Archipelago, studded with islands, and hadpassed Rome, the Eternal City. 

"Naples cannot be far off, " thought Leo, for to the southeast is seen thesmoking torch of Mt. Vesuvius, southwest is the island of Ischia with itsextinct volcano, and beyond is Cape Miseno. The "Hallena" cautiously felther way among the luxuriant islands that guard the broad and beautifulBay of Naples and the Siren City. Her passengers had ample opportunityto study the attractions of this justly celebrated locality. 

Vesuvius, reflected in the smooth waters of the bay, lifts high her peak, the ascending smoke coloring the white clouds above. At her feet liesancient Hurculaneum, submerged on the 24th of August, A. D. 79, by a floodof molten lava. 

Nearer the bay and only five miles from the volcano, is ancient Pompeii, which was overwhelmed by the same eruption of Vesuvius. Pompeii wasburied, not with lava, but with tufa, ashes and scoriæ, and since 1755has thus been the more easily and extensively uncovered. This ancientRoman city was enclosed by walls and entered by several gates. Itsnumerous streets were paved with lava. The traveler of to-day beholdsuncovered the one story and terraced houses, shops, mansions, the marketplace, temples, theatres, and baths. In some of the houses were foundfurniture, statues, paintings, books, medals, urns, jewels, utensils, manuscripts, etc. , all less injured than one would suppose. 

Today more modern towns are located about the curved shore of thisunrivaled bay. The sparkling waters, the winding shore, the bold cliffs, the threatening lava cone, the buried cities, all combine under thebluest skies to make the Bay of Naples a Mecca for worshipers of thebeautiful. 

On the deck of the "Hallena" stood the group of American tourists, enchanted with the picturesque environment of historic Naples. The cityis built along the shore and up the sides of adjacent mountains. A mole, with lighthouse, projects into the bay and forms a small harbor. 

The sun had climbed towards the zenith, and shone full upon this faircity, as the yacht entered the harbor. Many of the buildings are white, five or six stories in height, with flat roofs covered with plants andshrubbery. If the weather is favorable the inmates resort at sunset totheir roof-gardens to enjoy lovely views and the cool breezes from thebay. 

The Spiaggia, a popular thoroughfare, is adorned with statues, andextends along the shore to the Tomb of Virgil, and the mole. It iscrowded every evening with Neapolitans in equipages, some elegant, andsome grotesque. 

Two or three days were spent in studying the palaces and art galleries ofNaples. Of special interest is the national Museo Borbonico, which isremarkable for its collection of antiquities. In the palmy days of Borne, Naples was a luxurious retreat for emperors and wealthy citizens of thegreat empire. Naples was the scene of a most disgraceful outrage in May, 1848, when it was plundered by the Lazzaroni, or Begging Community, andfifteen hundred lives were lost. 

When the sight-seeing in Naples was completed Captain Hall offered totake the Harrises in his yacht back to Rome, but his offer was declined. Good-byes were cordially exchanged and the "Hallena" steamed south toPalermo, en route to Athens and other Levantine cities, while theHarrises took the express for Rome. 

Leo was glad to see the "Hallena" steam away, and to be with Lucilleaboard a train moving towards Rome. When the station in the eastern partof the city was reached, a carriage conveyed the Harrises along the Corsowhich at the hour of their driving was enlivened by many vehicles andfoot-passengers. 

Leo told Lucille of the popular festivals at Rome, especially of theCarnival that extends over several days, which consists of dailyprocessions in the Corso, accompanied by the throwing of bouquets andcomfits; the whole concluding with a horse race from the Piazza delPopolo to Piazza di Venezia, upwards of a mile. On the last, or theMoccoli evening, tapers are lighted immediately after sunset. Balconiesmost suitable for observing these animated scenes are expensive, butalways in great demand, especially by tourists. 

Colonel Harris took his family and Leo to an excellent hotel on thePiazza de Popolo. The weather being uncomfortably warm, it was decidedto spend only a few days in the city, and go as soon as possible to thecountry. Leo was very familiar with Rome, ancient and modern, and hefelt that weeks were absolutely necessary to study and comprehend thegrandeur of a city that for so many centuries had been mistress of theworld. He agreed with Niebuhr, "As the streams lose themselves in themightier ocean, so the history of the people once distributed along theMediterranean shores is absorbed in that of the mighty mistress of theworld. "

Leo back again in Rome was in an ecstasy of joy. Here Greece had laid atthe feet of Rome her conqueror, the accumulated art treasures of ages. Here Leo could have keenest delight, where he moved among the noblestexamples of antique sculpture, which filled the galleries and chambers ofthe Vatican and Capitol. Most of the night he lay awake, planning how hecould in so short a time exhibit to his American friends Rome and herwealth of art. At breakfast he said, "A whole day is needed to inspectthe Forum Romanum, a day each, for the Capitoline Hill, the Appian Way, and many other historic localities in this seven-hilled city. "

Leo, acting as guide, took his party to the Pincian Hill near thenorthern wall, a fashionable resort with fine boulevards and frequentband music. From the summit, he pointed out the yellow Tiber, which windsfor seventeen miles to the sea. The larger part of modern Rome lies onthe left bank of the Tiber, and covers three historic hills. Toweringabove the tops of the buildings are the domes and spires of nearly fourhundred churches of which the dome of St. Peter's is the most imposing. In sight beyond are the Capitol, the ruins of the Colosseum, and ancienttombs along the Appian Way. To the west on the Palatine Hill are theruins of the palace of the Cæsars, and outside the walls, on the broadCampagna, are the remains of several aqueducts converging on the city, some of which, restored, are in use to-day. 

The day's ride included a visit to Agrippa's Pantheon, now denuded of itsbronze roofing and marble exterior. A circular opening in the huge domeadmits both light and rain. Leo standing with Lucille by the tomb ofRaphael in one of the recesses, for a moment was silent. Then he said, "Lucille, it is impossible to fully appreciate the many and beautifulworks of this 'prince of painters. ' He was born on Good Friday, 1483, andlived exactly thirty-seven years. He was of slight build, sallow, and hadbrown eyes. Over nine hundred prints of his works are known. Besides hisworks in fresco at the Vatican, for a time he had charge of theconstruction of St. Peter's, and he also painted masterpieces now atBologna, Dresden, Madrid, Hampton Court, and executed numerouscommissions for Leo X. ; and Madonnas, holy families, portraits, etc. , for others. Raphael stands unrivaled, chiefly in his power to portraylofty sentiments which persons of all nationalities can feel, but fewcan describe. He also excelled in invention, composition, simplicityand grandeur. For moral force in allegory and history, and for fidelityin portrait, Raphael was unsurpassed. His last and most celebrated oilpicture, the transfiguration, unfinished, stood at his head as his bodylay in state. "

Colonel Harris was interested in the restored Triumphal Arch of Tituserected to commemorate the defeat of the Jews A. D. 70, also in thebeautiful Arch to Severus. At the end of the Rostra, or Orators' Tribunewas the Umbilicus Urbis Romae, or ideal center of Rome and the RomanEmpire. True it was that all roads led to Rome. Leo and Lucille visitedby moonlight the ruins of the great Colosseum, and the lights and shadowsin the huge old stone and brick amphitheater, made it look all the moreimposing and picturesque. 

On the morning of the second day Leo Colonna guided his friends down theVia di Ripetta, stopping at the Mausoleum of Augustus, which in themiddle ages was used by the Colonnas as a fortress. Then continuing downthe left bank of the Tiber, the Ponte S. Angelo was reached. This ancientbridge of five arches leads directly to the Castello S. Angelo, thecitadel of Rome, which originally was a tomb erected by Hadrian forhimself and successor. The tomb is 240 feet in diameter, and must havebeen very beautiful, as it was once encrusted with marble. Statues stoodaround the margin of the top, and above all a colossal statue of Hadrianhimself. Later the Goths, veritable iconoclasts, converted this tomb ofthe emperors into a fortress, hurling the marble statues down on thebesiegers. For centuries this castle-tomb was used as a stronghold bythe party in power to maintain their sway over the people. In 1822 PiusIX. Refortified the castle. In it was seen the gloomy dungeon whereBeatrice Cenci and others were incarcerated. 

The Harrises drove down the Borgo Nuovo to the church of St. Peter. Itsapproach is through a magnificent piazza ornamented on the right and leftby two semicircular porticoes of 284 columns, which are surmounted by anentablature, and 192 statues, each eleven feet in height. It is claimedthat the origin of the Cathedral of St. Peter is due to the impulsegiven by Pope Julius II. Who decided to erect a grand monument forhimself in his life-time, and the new edifice was needed to shield it. St. Peter's was begun in 1506 and dedicated in 1626. 

Bramante's wonderful plans were accepted, and both Michael Angelo andRaphael aided in its construction. From a Greek cross rises a giganticdome, which is one of the boldest and most wonderful efforts ofarchitecture. Lucille recalled Byron's description, "The vast and wondrous dome, To which Diana's marvel was a cell. "

Entering this mighty cathedral, Colonel Harris was bewildered with itsgrand and harmonious interior. The height from the pavement to the crossrivals the height of the Washington monument. The nave is 607 feet inlength, and the transept is 445 feet. St. Paul's at London covers onlytwo acres, St. Peter's five acres. The cost of the former was $3, 750, 000, the cost of the latter from $60, 000, 000 to $80, 000, 000. 

The Harrises visited St. John Lateran, the mother-church of the EternalCity, where Popes were crowned, and where on Ascension Day, from one ofits balconies, the Pope's benediction to the people is pronounced. 

They also visited the restored St. Paul's Church outside the walls. Itsinterior is of vast dimensions. It was built of valuable materials, andthe whole is very imposing. Especially was Lucille impressed with thelong series of portrait medallions of all the Popes from St. Peter to LeoX. Worked in mosaic above the polished columns. 

Many monuments in St. Peter's were erected to the memory of several ofthe famous Popes. The Vatican, the largest palace in Europe, is where thePopes came to reside after their return from Avignon, France, in 1377, for here they felt much security in the vicinity of the Castle S. Angelo, with which it communicated by a covered gallery. For a time the Popesvied with each other in enlarging and embellishing the Vatican, whichcovers an immense space, and is a collection of separate buildings; thelength is 1150 feet, and the breath 767 feet. The Vatican is said tocontain 20 courts, and 11, 000 halls, chapels, salons, and privateapartments, most of which are occupied by collections and show-rooms, while only a small part is set apart for the papal court. 

The Harrises visited the most celebrated portions of the Vatican; theScala Regia, covered with frescoes of events in Papal history, theSistine Chapel, adorned with fine frescoes by Michael Angelo, includingthe Last Judgment. Here the Cardinals meet to elect the Pope, and heremany of the most gorgeous ceremonies of the Roman Catholic Church areperformed. 

Equally enthusiastic were Leo and Lucille over Raphael's superb frescoesin the Loggie, and in the chambers adjoining. The few pictures in thegallery are scarcely surpassed. The museum contains some of the noblesttreasures of art, including the Laocoon, and Apollo Belvidere. Thelibrary is very valuable. The superb palace of the Quirinal has beautifulgardens. 

Besides the several elegant public palaces in Rome, there are in and nearthe city over sixty private palaces or villas; the finest of which is theBarberini Palace. Several of the villas are located above terraces amidorange and citron groves, and they are ornamented with statues andfountains. Leo with pride took his friends to see the Colonna Palace, which contained many old portraits of his family. 

After dinner a drive was taken outside the Porta del Popolo to themagnificent Villa Borghese and the Pincian Hill. It was planned to visiton the morrow the gallery Borghese, next to the Vatican, the mostimportant in Rome. It was dark as Leo returned with his party to thehotel. The landlord handed him a gentleman's card which read, Mr. Ferdinand Francisco Colonna. Piazza Colonna, Rome. 

The landlord said that this gentleman was waiting for Leo in thereception-room. Leo at once recognized the card as that of his cousin, who was an attorney in Rome, and he hurried to meet his relative. Theygrasped hands warmly, and soon were in earnest conversation. 

Ferdinand, taking a large official envelope from his pocket, opened itand began reading what he called a very important paper. It was a copyof the will of their rich uncle, who had just died, while inspectinghis possession in Sicily. Leo Colonna bore the name of this uncle, hisfather's oldest brother, who was fond of art, and who was never married. He had always been attached to Leo, his nephew, and in his will Leo wasmade his sole heir. Great was Leo's surprise to learn that he was now notonly the owner of a fine palace southeast of Rome, but of largepossessions in Rome, Sicily, and South America. 

Leo leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed, his face changed colorand the muscles of his hands and face twitched as if he were in pain. Suddenly he recovered possession of himself and said, "Ferdinand, youalmost paralyze me by the news you bring. Am I dreaming, or not?"

"No, no, Leo. This is a copy of the will of our uncle. The original willis in my safe. By this same will I am to have 100, 000 lira for assistingyou. I am now at your service. "

"Ferdinand, you bring sad and glorious news. What is your advice?"

"That we file the original will at once in the proper court, and that youproceed with me immediately to Marino to take possession there of yourpalace and property. "

"Agreed, Ferdinand. We will leave Rome for Marino at noon tomorrow. Meet me here, as I may have friends to join us. "

Leo hastened at once to tell the good news to the Harrises, who werenearly as much elated as himself, and it was agreed that all would joinLeo in his proposed trip. It was late that night when Leo and Lucilleseparated in the parlor below. Each had dreamed of castles in Spain, butnow it looked as if Leo and possibly Lucille, might actually possesscastles in Italy. 

That night Leo told Lucille much about the princely Colonna family ofItaly, which originated in the 11th century. Pope Martin V. , severalothers who took part in the contest between the Guelphs and theGhibellines, and many others of the Colonna family had attained tohistorical and literary distinction. 

Lucille was interested in the story of the great naval battle of Lepantoin which Marc Antonio Colonna aided Don Juan of Austria to gain aworld-renowned victory for Christianity against the Turks, the firsteffective triumph of the cross over the crescent. Leo recited the storyof the life of the illustrious Vittoria Colonna, pictures of a bust ofwhom Lucille had seen that day in Rome. 

Vittoria, and the son of the Marquis of Pescara, when children four yearsold, were affianced, and in their seventeenth year they were married. Theyoung bride bravely sent her husband to the wars with a pavilion, anembroidered standard, and palm leaves, expressing the hope that hewould return with honors, for she was proud of the Colonna name. 

Vittoria full of genius and grace, idealized her young showy cavalier, who was gallant and chivalrous. Her brave knight Pescara, among othervictories, won the battle of Pavia, and finally died of his wounds inMilan before she could reach his side. Vittoria Colonna buried her lovein Pescara's grave at Naples. Her widowhood was a period of sorrow, song, friendship, and saintly life. She was tall, stately, and dignified; ofgracious manners, and united much charm with her culture and virtue. Sheis considered the fairest and noblest lady of the Italian Renaissance. 

Vittoria Colonna was on intimate terms with the great men and women ofher day, and in close sympathy with the Italian reformers. Michael Angelowas warmly her friend. His strong verses full of feeling to Vittoria werereplied to in gentle, graceful strains. She died as the sun sank in theMediterranean on the afternoon of February 25, 1547, Michael Angeloregretting as he saw her, lying on her death-bed, that he had not kissedher forehead and face as he had kissed her hand. 

As Lucille retired that night she felt the force of Vittoria's noblelife, and longed to emulate one so related to her friend Leo. She felther own heart drawing nearer to Leo's, and in the silent hours of thenight, she sometimes wondered if she should ever bear the honored name ofColonna. 

Next day at 12 o'clock promptly, Leo's cousin came, and the Harrises andLeo took the Rome and Naples line for Marino, located sixteen milessoutheast of Rome, where Vittoria Colonna had lived, and where Leoexpected to find and take possession of his own palace and property. 

The Roman tombs of the Via Appia on the right were soon left behind. A dozen miles out and Frascate a summer resort was conspicuous withits many lovely villas. Later the party left the train and enjoyed abeautiful drive of three miles to Marino, a small town famous for itswine, and located on the Alban Mountains. In the middle ages, the Orsinidefended themselves here in a stronghold against their enemies theColonna, but the latter under Martin V. Captured Marino, which with thesurrounding country has remained a fief of the Colonna family to thepresent day. 

Ferdinand had already attended to much of the detail at Marino, so thatLeo, as owner of the vast Colonna estate, was loyally received by thevillagers, the tenants, and the old servants. Leo made his friends, theHarrises, most welcome at his unexpected and palatial home. The Harriseswere delighted at what they saw. Leo and Lucille took several drivestogether over the large estate. Once they drove along the shady roads, commanding extensive views, through the beautiful park of Colonna, anddown a well wooded valley to the clear waters of the Alban Lake. OftenLeo wished that Alfonso had accompanied him. 

For some time before leaving Rome, Lucille had complained of a dullheadache and chills at night. In France Mrs. Harris was fearful that thesummer trip to Italy was not wise, but Leo and her family thought theyacht voyage to Naples would be charming. On the morning of the thirdday at Marino, Lucille was unable to leave her bed. Leo hastily called aphysician who found her pulse very low. She experienced great thirst andnausea, and the heat of her body was much increased. When the doctorlearned that Colonel Harris's daughter had slept in Rome with the windowopen, he at once declared to the family that Lucille had Roman fever, that dreaded malaria which is engendered in summer months near themarshes of Italy. Leo summoned to Marino the ablest physicians of Rome, who were in constant attendance, and heroic treatment was adopted. 

Both Mr. And Mrs. Harris were half crazed with the fear of losingtheir beautiful daughter, and Leo himself was nearly frantic. Lucillegrew rapidly worse. Her strength and courage failed her, she becameunconscious, and as the tall white lily in the midday sun loses itsbeauty and life, so Lucille passed from earth, her agonizing motherholding the dead daughter's slender white hands. 

Leo fell insensible and was removed from the death-chamber by hisservants. Womanly courage returned to the mother after a few moments ofintense grief, and aided by others the necessary preparations were madefor the removal of Lucille to America. 

Captain Harry Hall with his yacht en route to Athens had called atBrindisi to get a reply from a most important letter of his mailed toLucille at Palermo. As he stepped ashore a telegram was handed himannouncing the sudden death of the woman he loved. He was so shocked thathis friends were alarmed. After a short conference Harry wired ColonelHarris the use of his yacht to carry back to America the remains ofbeautiful Lucille. 

While Colonel Harris was writing an acceptance of Captain Hall'sservices, a second telegram came announcing the death, by drowning, ofhis only son Alfonso in the Zuider Zee at Amsterdam. How true thatmisfortunes never come singly!

Beneath the pillow on which Lucille died, were found two unansweredletters, proposals of marriage, one from Leo and one from Captain Hall. The broken hearted mother took charge of these letters, and before themetallic coffin was sealed, the unanswered letters were placed inLucille's white hand, over the heart that could not now decide. 

Later the casket was put on board the yacht "Hallena" at Rome, andCaptain Hall with his flag at half-mast steamed towards America with thewoman, who could never on earth accept the tribute of his heart. Leo, nowMarquis Colonna, true chevalier that he was, insisted that he bepermitted to accompany Colonel Harris to Amsterdam in search of his sonAlfonso. 

CHAPTER XXII

COLONEL HARRIS'S BIG BLUE ENVELOPE

The honeymoon of George and Gertrude included not only the two delightfulweeks in Switzerland, but also the ten or twelve days on a slow steamerreturning to New York. The weather at sea was all that could be desired. The longer a smooth sea-voyage, the better lovers are pleased. Returnocean passages usually furnish the much needed rest after a so-calledvacation abroad. Overworked Americans need, not so much an entirecessation of activities, as a change of occupation, which usually, bringsthe desired results. 

George and Gertrude made but few acquaintances on the steamer. Thethought that each possessed the other was enjoyment that satisfied, andboth were happy. Each lived as in dreamland, and scarcely observed eventhe daily runs made by the steamer. The death by accident of a sailor, and his strange burial at sea, served only for a brief time to arrest ahappiness made complete by each other's voice and presence. The two weekson the ocean came and went as softly as flowers unfold and disappear. Thus far, married life had been ideal. 

It was after eleven o'clock, and anxious passengers were pacing thedecks, hoping to sight native land before retiring. Suddenly the officeron the bridge discerned the dim Fire Island Light, bearing north by west, twenty miles distant. Ten minutes later, five points on the port bow, apilot boat was sighted. Her mast-head light was visible, also the torch, which soaked in turpentine, burnt brightly at intervals. 

The steamer signals, "We want a pilot, " by burning a blue light on thebridge, and bears down on the pilot schooner. The moon reveals enormousfigures, with a heavy dot beneath, on the mainsail of the schooner. Overthe rail goes the yawl, followed by the oarsman and pilot, whose turnit is to go ashore. The pilot carries a lantern, which in the egg-shapedyawl dances on the white wave crests up and down like a fire-fly. Theyawl is soon under the steamer's lee, and a line from the big ship pullsthe little boat to the ladder, and the pilot nimbly climbs to thesteamer's bridge, bringing the latest papers. The schooner drifts underthe steamer's stern, takes in the yawl, and again sails to the eastwardin search of another liner. 

The entrance to the port of New York is patrolled night and day by apilot-fleet of thirty boats, which cost from $10, 000 to $20, 000 each. They are staunch and seaworthy, the fastest schooners afloat. Often, knocked down by heavy seas, for a moment they tremble, like a frightenedbird, then shaking the water off their decks, they rise, heave to, perhaps under double reefed foresail, and with everything made snug, outride the storm, and are at their work again. Pilots earn good pay, andthis they deserve, as they often risk their lives in behalf of others. 

Sandy Hook Light was now in sight, and long before the sun began hisjourney across the heavens, the steamer lay at anchor at quarantine, waiting for a certificate from the health officer. As the steamer proudlysped through "The Narrows, " a jubilant crowd of passengers on thepromenade deck sang, "My country 'tis of thee Sweet Land of Liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died; Land of the pilgrim's pride; From ev'ry mountain side Let freedom ring. "

The hymn was sung to the tune of "God Save the Queen, " and severalenthusiastic Englishmen joined with their kith and kin. 

On Bedloe's Island Bartholdi's Statue of Liberty waved her torch, outwardbound steamers exchanged salutes, the Brooklyn Bridge and all the ferrieswere thronged with people hurrying to the labor marts of the metropolis, as the steamer with George and Gertrude aboard moved up the harbor andwas safely docked on the North River. 

In the lead down the gangway Gertrude hastened George to secure acarriage for their hotel, so anxious was she to reach rooms on Americansoil, where she might honorably break the seal of her father's mysteriousbig blue envelope. It had rarely been out of her mind since the day ofher wedding in Paris. 

After breakfast, served in true American style, the Ingrams glanced atthe big morning papers crowded with American news, and wondered whyEuropean papers printed so little about the States. Then they retired totheir rooms to break the seal of the blue envelope. 

George was all attention as his young wife with the flush of health andexcitement in her cheeks tore apart the envelope, and stepping to thewindow for better light, she began to read Reuben Harris's letter. 

 Paris--

 _Dear George and Gertrude_, --

 The accumulation of my fortune, now largely invested in prime securities, has been a surprise and often a burden to me, and with it came, as I now clearly see, great responsibilities. 

 Money is power, and most people zealously seek it. Many fail to get it, and often those who do succeed, fail to keep it. Wealth unsought comes only to a few, while others, with perhaps hereditary financial instincts, pursue with certainty of success the golden fleece. 

 My early experiences with poverty, and now with wealth, and my late extensive observations have impressed upon me, as never before, the common brotherhood of mankind. The great problem of our age is the proper administration of wealth, so that the ties of brotherhood may still bind together the rich and poor in harmonious relations. What shall be the laws of accumulation and distribution? To decide this wisely the discretion of our present and future legislators will be heavily burdened. 

 The condition of many races is better to-day on the foundations on which society is built, than on the old ones tried and abandoned. What were yesterday's luxuries are to-day's necessities. The poor enjoy to-day what yesterday even the rich could not afford. Mankind always has exhibited great irregularities. In every race some are born with an energy and ability to produce wealth, others not. Invention and discovery have replaced scarcity and dearness with abundance and cheapness. The law of competition seems to cheapen comforts and luxuries. 

 Both labor and capital are organizing, concentrating, competing. The idealist may dream of what is attainable in the future, but our duty is plainly with what is practicable now. My prayer is for wisdom and ability to administer wisely our wealth, during my life-time. I am therefore resolved to act as follows:--

 1st. To retain for my family only what will provide modestly for them all. I do not wish to leave much property for my relatives to use prodigally, or to quarrel over. 

 2nd. I plan not to wait till I die and then leave behind for public purposes money which I cannot take with me. I shall consider myself as an agent, or trustee, in charge of certain surplus funds to be expended in behalf of my poorer brethren. 

 On our return to America, Mrs. Harris and I will make our wills in accordance with the above. It is our desire that, when you reach home, you both enter at once upon the development of your plans, of a cooperative manufacturing corporation, in accordance with the views which you have so frequently mentioned. In the execution of these plans, you may use, if necessary, five millions. With best wishes for your happiness. 

 Your father, Reuben Harris. 

The writing of this letter gave Colonel Harris more pleasure than any actof his life; in fact it was for him the beginning of a new life; a lifefor others. 

The reading of the letter also gave George and Gertrude much happiness, for it furnished them abundant means for the execution of theirbeneficent plans, which had been thoroughly considered by the Harrisfamily. This important letter was returned to the blue envelope and givento Gertrude for safe keeping, and it was agreed to leave for Harrisvillenext day at 1 o'clock on the Chicago Special. 

Among the personals in the Harrisville Sunday paper appeared thefollowing:

 Arrived from Europe Saturday morning, Mr. And Mrs. George Ingram. It is needless to say that their many friends will give them cordial welcome. Colonel and Mrs. Reuben Harris, their son and daughter, Alfonso and Lucille, will remain in Europe for several weeks. 

This notice, though brief, was of much interest to rich and poor inHarrisville. Society, of course, was interested in the marriage ofGertrude, business men in the return of so skilled a manufacturer asGeorge Ingram, and many workmen, still unemployed, hoped that their oldsuperintendent whom they loved would find or make positions for them. 

The continued absence of Colonel Harris the financier aided George Ingramin certain important negotiations which he proceeded quietly to make, viz. , the purchase in the suburbs of Harrisville, in fifty parcels, of4, 000 acres of contiguous land, that had both a river and a lake front. While these purchases were being made, agents were dispatched intoseveral Ohio counties, and more than 20, 000 acres of well tested coallands were secured. When it was learned that all these lands were boughtin the name of George Ingram, and paid for in cash, the wisacres of thecity began to say, "I told you so; these monopolists having visitedEngland have adopted foreign ideas, and now they have returned to buy andhold our valuable lands. " George Ingram was reticent, as most successfulbusiness men are, for he gave attention to business. "Talkers are nogreat doers, " wrote Shakespeare. 

The offices of the old Harrisville Iron & Steel Co. Had been rented toother parties, so a suite of rooms near by was occupied by George Ingramand his five assistants. It had leaked out, however, that Ingram hadgiven orders for twenty millions of brick and a large quantity ofstructural iron and copper tubes, all to be delivered within four months. The order for copper tubes puzzled even the wisest in Harrisville. Later, when a thousand laborers were set at work on the river front ofhis purchase, building extensive foundations, it dawned upon theexpectant that a gigantic plant for some purpose was to be erected nearHarrisville. Newspaper reporters found it difficult to reach GeorgeIngram, even with a card, which would be returned with the reply "Busyto-day. Please excuse me. "

In the meantime Harrisville agreed to create a more available harbor, andto establish dock lines, not less than 500 feet apart, and in three yearsto dredge the river to a depth of 25 feet for five miles back from thelake. 

George Ingram in his own mind had settled three vital points; thatHarrisville was one of the most favorable producing and distributingcenters in America; that he would so design and build a manufacturingplant as to minimize the cost of production; that he would attempt toharmonize capital and labor. Important provisions of the Company'scharter were:

 ARTICLE III

 The capital stock of this Corporation shall be Five Million Dollars ($5, 000, 000) to be divided into Five Hundred Thousand Shares at Ten Dollars each, fully paid, and non-assessable. 

 ARTICLE VI

 The private property of stockholders shall be exempt from any and all debts of this Corporation. 

Two thousand of the four thousand acres purchased were set apart formanufacturing purposes. Most of the land sloped gradually, and thesurface-water naturally drained into the river. George Ingram's plans foran enormous steel-plant had been most carefully worked out in detail. Night and day the construction went forward. In eight months the plantwas in full operation. He had obtained the latest important labor-savingdevices and improved facilities in use throughout America and Europe. Thewhole was supplemented by the inventions already perfected by his fatherand himself. 

The Harris-Ingram Steel Co. Was provided with every modern device thatcould in any manner contribute economy and rapidity from the time theores left the ship, till the finished product was loaded for market. Allores and limestone were delivered on a tableland of the same height, andadjacent to a series of several enormous blast-furnaces. The melted ironfrom the blast-furnaces was tapped into ladles mounted on iron cars, andprovided with mechanism for tipping the ladles. The molten iron of thecars was next transferred to improved converters in an adjoiningbuilding, constructed entirely of iron. Nearby were the spiegel cupolas. The greatest possible accuracy was thus attainable in delivering definitequantities of molten iron into the converter for a given blow, also ofspiegeleisen. This was easily accomplished by standing the ladle carsupon scales. 

The metal was cast into ingot moulds, standing upon cars, and thentransferred to the mould stripper; afterwards the ingots were weighedand sent to the soaking-pit furnaces. After a "wash heat" the ingots, or blooms, entered the rolls, and were drawn and sized in shape to fillorders from every part of the world. 

The marvel at the Harris-Ingram Steel Co. 's mills was that electricity, developed in vast quantities at the coal mines and conveyed on patentedcopper tubes, furnished all the power, heat, and light used in the entireplant. Electricity hoisted and melted all the ores; it worked Sturtevantfans and blowing engines, which supplied necessary air for cupolas andconverters. Electricity furnished all the power requisite to handleinnumerable cranes and cars. As easily as a magnet picks up tacks, electricity also handled ingots or finished steel. Five thousand tons offinished steel per day were made and the labor and fuel account had beenreduced over one-half. 

While the huge steel plant at Harrisville was being constructed, a largeforce of men were building a conduit to protect copper tubes, from thesteel plant to the coal fields. At the mines hundreds of miners were setat work, several shafts were sunk, and tunnels, levels, and winzes weredeveloped. 

George Ingram believed that all the force in the world available forman's use was derived from the sun; so he heroically resolved to hitchhis wagon, if not to a star, to the mighty sun. With this purpose inview, he had bought the 20, 000 acres of coal land. Half of this area waslocated in Jefferson, Harrison, and Belmont counties on the Ohio River, and thus title was secured to vast quantities of fossil power in theupper coal measures, which ignites quickly and burns with a hot fire. Theother 10, 000 acres were valuable because nearer to Harrisville. This coalcame from lower measures or seams. 

George Ingram had made a thorough study of coal, or fossil fuel, itsformation and value. The coal of the carboniferous age is derived almostentirely from the family of plants called _Lycopods_, or club mosses, andthe ferns, which back in high antiquity attained gigantic size. Themicroscope has clearly developed this vegetable origin of coal. The greatAppalachian and other coal fields are without doubt, the long continuedand vigorous forest growths, and subsequent fossilization of the same inthe marginal swamps of ancient gulfs or seas. 

The agency of transfer for solar energy is the vegetable kingdom. Thevegetable cell has the surprising property through the sun's agency ofbeing able to live and multiply itself on air alone. The carbon ofcarbonic acid, a constituent of the atmosphere, is so liberated andappropriated, as to become fixed in the forming tissues of plants. Thusthe plant is a storer of light and heat, a reservoir of force. Itmediates between the sun's energy and the animal life of the world. Thuscoal seams are the accumulations of the sun's energy for thousands ofcenturies, requiring the patient growth and slow decay of hundreds ofimmense forests. One secret of the unprecedented late growth of cities isdiscovered in the steam engine, or the coal which feeds it. 

A pound of good coal, used in a good engine, stands for the work of sixhorses for an hour; a ton of coal for the work of thirteen hundred horsesfor a day of ten hours; ten thousand tons of coal, used in a day bysingle lines of railways, stand for the work of thirteen million horses, working ten hours a day. In 1894 the English mines produced 188, 277, 525tons of coal. In Great Britain alone, coal does the work of more than ahundred millions of men, and adds proportionately to the fabulouslyincreasing wealth of those fortunate islands. 

The Ingrams had solved two important problems, and on their practicableapplication depended the success of the great Harris-Ingram experiment. The more important of the two was the unlocking of the sun's storedenergy, electricity, at the coal mines. The second was a device forconveying this energy from the mines to the steel plant, and it had beenpatented to protect it. 

Since electricity possibly travels on the surface of wires or metals, theIngrams patented a valuable device of small corrugated copper tubes, strengthened in the center by steel wires, and thus the carrying capacityof electricity was greatly increased, and the amount of costly coppermuch decreased. These corrugated tubes enclosed in cheap glass, andsurrounded with oil, were laid in properly prepared conduits of vitrifiedfire-clay sewer pipes. Without the intervention of the steam engine, bya surprisingly simple process, electrical force was liberated chemicallyat the mines and transferred for multiple uses at the steel plant. Expensive coal-freights were thus saved. All the slack coal was utilized, and instead of the waste of nine-tenths of the stored energy of the coal, only one tenth was now lost. To husband properly the fruits of so great adiscovery, it was decided not to patent this latter invention, which ifdisclosed would give too great publicity to the details. 

The electrical works at the mines were constructed of safe-steel wallsand roof, and so built that the operations of generating electricitydirectly from coal were conducted in secret in several separateapartments, so that no single operator without the knowledge of all theinitiated employees would be able to successfully work the inventions. The dozen initiated employees had made life long contracts with thecompany in consideration of liberal and satisfactory rewards. TheHarris-Ingram Steel Co. Thus equipped began operations. 

CHAPTER XXIII

"GOLD MARRIES GOLD"

Alfonso Harris was content to leave his friends to continue theirjourney, as they were willing that he should return to the Netherlands, or to Amsterdam, where lived the beautiful woman who had won his heart. 

Christine de Ruyter cordially welcomed Alfonso back to study art as heexpressed it to her on the first evening after his arrival. Alfonso wasmuch in Christine's society, at art exhibits, in carriage drives, and onpleasure boat excursions down the bay. Weeks went by before he couldsummon courage enough to ask Christine's hand in marriage. 

In the game of hearts Alfonso thought himself an able combatant. He hadstudied Christine in action and in repose, in society, and when aloneunder his protection at Scheveningen, and at home, and he prided himselfthat he knew at least one woman thoroughly. She loved art, flowers, music, and fine dress, and was very ambitious. The latter trait wasdoubtless inbred from her distinguished naval relatives. 

Christine had many acquaintances among the best families of Holland. Herbeauty, coupled with the fact that she was an heiress, made her theobject of much attention from artists and members of clubs, but possiblyher love, or affection for art, might have sprung from the desire to gainmore knowledge of how to make herself attractive in dress, manner, andconversation. Christine was not offensively vain, but she waspassionately fond of admiration. Alfonso had never dreamed that Christinewas not genuine at heart. She appeared to him to make much of herAmerican acquaintance, introducing him to her many friends, young ladiesas well as young gentlemen, and always seemed to prefer his company toothers. 

She manifested even tenderness for him, expressed her strong liking forAmerica, and Alfonso believed that Christine was truly fond of him. Noarguments or persuasions could have convinced him otherwise. The contrarywishes of his own family, the eloquence of a Webster, winds from thepoles, all combined, could not have cooled his ardor. Alfonso had firmlyresolved to wed Christine, come what would. 

He had often dreamed of her smiles, her pretty blue eyes, and her fleecyhair floating in the breezes of the Zuider Zee. He had also dreamed of abrilliant wedding in Holland, of a large reception at Harrisville, andhad even heard the plaudits of his fellow artists in New York, as theylauded his master piece "Admiral De Ruyter's Great Naval Victory. "

Fortified with these proofs of Christine's devotion, he sought thecompany of his blond sweetheart on a balcony that overlooked the moon-litharbor of Amsterdam. 

Here Alfonso offered his hand and heart--to a coquette--who rejected him. He was astonished, almost stunned. Recovering from his dazed condition, she again chilled his heart by the utterance, "You have not learned inthis practical world of ours that gold marries gold; that society playsfor equivalents. You once admitted to me that your father wanted you atthe head of his large business, and disapproved of your choice of aprofession. As an artist you seek fame. How can you divide it with me? Inasking my hand you seek to divide my gold, thus securing both fame andgold. Alfonso we have enjoyed each other's company as friends. "

"Yes, Christine, though you have been cruel we can separate as friends. Sometime I may be able to match gold with gold. Till then, adieu. "

Saying this Alfonso left the De Ruyter mansion all the more resolved, however, to win Christine. For a moment her deceptive heart rebuked heras she watched Alfonso's departure. In the papers of the followingevening an announcement frightened Christine. The head lines read: "Mr. Alfonso Harris, a young American artist, drowned this morning in theharbor. "

Later the police brought to the De Ruyter home detailed news. Christinegave instructions to use every possible effort to recover Alfonso's body, and at once sent her servant with a telegram for Colonel Reuben Harris, Grand Hotel, Paris, the only address she knew. 

The next day, with her mother, she accompanied the police to Alfonso'sroom, where she gathered up several of her love letters. A new suit ofclothes hung in the closet, a package of returned laundry lay on thetable, also pen, ink and paper. Evidently Alfonso expected to return soonto the hotel. His clothes, watch, and money had been found in the boatthat drifted ashore. 

Christine concluded that Alfonso had gone for a boat-ride and swim, aswas his custom; very likely this time to free his mind, if possible, fromrecent trouble, and was seized with cramp and drowned before aid couldreach him. Vigorous search in the harbor and along the shore institutedby the police department and the American consul failed to locate hisbody or to furnish further facts to Christine as to the cause of theaccident. 

 * * * * *

Alfonso Harris meant all he said to Christine in his last words, "Sometime I may be able to match gold with gold. " He might be blind inlove matters, but his mind after a storm always righted itself. Thatnight when Alfonso reached his hotel, he planned to leave the impressionon Christine's mind that he was dead. To make the deception complete, his trunk and all effects in his room were left as found by Christine. Even his watch, pocket book and clothes were left behind in the littlepleasure boat, while he donned an extra suit. A Norwegian captain, whowas about leaving Amsterdam with a cargo for Canada, agreed for fiftydollars to pick up Alfonso down the harbor and to land him in Quebec. 

Fine family, beauty, and gold were powerful incentives to effort to anambitious young man like Alfonso, and he was resolved, incognito, toexplore the Great West in search of riches, and once found, he would layall at Christine's feet, and again claim her hand. 

Jans Jansen, the Norwegian captain, was a jolly good ship-master, and thefair weather voyage across the Atlantic proved enjoyable. Alfonso alwaystook his meals with the captain. Jans Jansen's wife and children lived inChristiania, and his constant talk was that he hoped some day to get richand quit the sea. Alfonso made a warm friend of Captain Jansen, whopledged secrecy as to his escape from Amsterdam. 

The captain was robust and his big flowing red beard, blue eyes, andbravery made him a worthy successor of the ancient vikings of theNorseland. Jans Jansen enjoyed his pipe, and with his good stories whiledaway many an hour for Alfonso, so that when the ship, under full sail, entered the Strait of Belle Isle and sailed across the Gulf towards theRiver St. Lawrence, both the captain and young Harris regretted thattheir sea-voyage was so soon to close. 

The entrance of the St. Lawrence River is so broad that the navies of theworld abreast might enter the river undiscovered from either bank. Twohundred miles up the river, Trinity House, an association of over threehundred pilots, put aboard a pilot, and at noon next day Captain Jansendocked his vessel at Quebec. 

This old French city is located on a high promontory on the left bankof the St. Lawrence. Its citadel, one of the strongest fortresses inAmerica, commands a varied and picturesque beauty. Alfonso walked up tothe obelisk, which stands in one of the squares of the Upper Town, injoint memory of the brave generals Wolfe and Montgomery. 

Next morning he was off on the Canadian Pacific Railway for Duluth, thezenith city. Thence the journey west was through. Dakota in sight ofoccasional tepees, where the brave Sioux patiently waits his call to jointhe buffalo in the happy hunting grounds. Alfonso did not agree with thepopular sentiment, "The best Indian is a dead Indian, " for the Siouxseemed to him to belong to a noble race of red men. 

Alfonso's enthusiasm for mining was greatly quickened by a fellowtraveler, who was the owner of a large block of stock in the famousHomestake Mining Co. Of Lead City, Black Hills, So. Dakota. This companypossesses one of the largest gold mines and mills in the world. The orebodies show a working face from two to four hundred feet in width, andsink to a seemingly inexhaustible depth. The Homestake has produced over$25, 000, 000 in bullion, and has divided over six millions in dividends tostockholders. 

Three days' journey brought young Harris to Montana, an inland empirestate, which lies on both sides of the Rocky Mountains. The PacificExpress was laden with a motley crowd of men and women in search of fameand fortune. Alfonso soon caught their enthusiasm, and visions of castleswith gilded domes floated in his imagination. 

It was 1:35 P. M. When No. 1, the Pacific Express, pulled into thriftyHelena, capital of Montana, a commercial metropolis metamorphosed froma rude mining camp of twenty-five years ago. 

The electric cars carried Alfonso to the Hotel Helena on Grand St. , which he thought quite as good as any in his own city. Here he wasfortunate in meeting Mr. Davidson, a gentleman of large experienceas owner, organizer, and locator of some of the best gold and silverproperties in Montana and adjoining states. Irrigating canals andwater-rights were a special branch of Mr. Davidson's business. He neverfailed to make the round of the leading hotels after the arrival of theOverland. In this way he met Alfonso Harris. Davidson knew when to tell agood story, and when to be serious. He took Alfonso to the Club, locatedin elegant quarters, and the secretary gave him a complimentary visitor'scard. Davidson quickly discerned that Harris needed a week's rest, and sotook him on the motor line two miles out to the Hotel Broadwater andNatatorium. No wonder the citizens of Helena take pride in their finehealth resort, the Helena Hot Springs. 

Mr. Davidson introduced Alfonso to Colonel Broadwater, who extended thehospitalities of his hotel on which he had expended a fortune. Theverandas were long and wide, the park was dotted with fountains, and theinterior of the hotel was luxurious in all its furnishings. The mammothplunge bath was the largest in the world under a single cover. Curativemineral waters, steaming hot, flowed in abundantly from the grotto. Inthe natatorium fun-loving men and women slid down the toboggan planks, orjumped from the spring boards, while spectators in the gallery enjoyedthe aquatic sports. Elegantly appointed bathrooms in the hotel offered atone's pleasure the double spray plunge, vapor, and needle baths. 

Alfonso was not prepared to find in the mountains elegance surpassingwhat he had seen abroad. Here he luxuriated for a week, and recovered hishealth, which had been somewhat impaired by the unfortunate experiencesin Amsterdam, and the long journey from Holland. 

Davidson visited Harris every day. At first he only sought to entertainand awaken enthusiasm. He recited the familiar story of the Last ChanceGulch, how in 1864, four half-starved and disheartened miners, on theirhomeward journey from a prospecting tour among the gulches of theBlackfoot country in search of the precious dust, had settled down towork their last chance to make a stake, and had found gold in abundance. 

Davidson said, "Here, where to-day runs the main street of Helena, was the'Last Chance Gulch, ' and the output of its placers was not less thanfifteen millions. From 300 feet square, where now stands the MontanaCentral Railway depot, two miners took out over $330, 000. " Davidson toldof the great successes at the "Jay Gould, " and "Big Ox Mine, " and, thatin five years the output of the Drum Lummon Mine was six millions. 

All this pleased young Harris, and whetted his appetite for mininginvestments. Finally, as a result of several trips to examine prospectsand mines, Alfonso bought two prospects one hundred miles west of Helenaat a place called Granite. 

At Drummond west of Helena, a line branches south of the Northern Pacificto Rumsey. From Rumsey, Alfonso rode four miles to Granite, which waslocated high up among huge granite boulders. Here, for a year he isolatedhimself and labored hard for silver that was to be exchanged into goldand laid at the feet of Christine. His mines had been named "HiddenTreasure" and "Monte Christo. " Possibly these mystical names influencedAlfonso to make the purchase, and no doubt they often renewed hiscourage. 

The United States patents for his two lode mining claims finally came, and were examined by legal experts, who pronounced them perfect. In thepurchase of the properties and in the development work, Alfonso and histwo associates expended $50, 000. On the showing, which the developmentmade, together with the Annual Report of the adjacent Granite MountainMining Company, young Harris hoped to form a syndicate and profitablywork his mines. 

The facts in the report which Alfonso emphasized, were that the GraniteMining Co. Had paid dividends as follows:

Twelve dividends endingJuly 31st, 1889 $1, 900, 000

Total of fifty-five dividends, an aggregate of, $6, 700, 000

In eight years these mineshad produced and soldof pure silver 10, 989, 858 ozs. 

Of pure gold 6, 521 ozs. 

Realizing a gross sum $10, 988, 800Total gross expenditures $ 4, 092, 512

Alfonso felt free to use the facts of the Granite Reports, as hisproperty was supposed to be a continuation of the same lode or metallicvein. His syndicate was finally organized, and with the money thus madeavailable, all possible work was done for the next twelve months, onshaft, levels, cross-cuts, drifts, winzes, and raises. For two long yearshe pursued underground promising indications of wealth, which like thewill-with-the-wisp evaded him, until every prospect of silver and gold inthe "Hidden Treasure, " and "Monte Christo" disappeared, and the mineswere abandoned. 

CHAPTER XXIV

THE MAGIC BAND OF BEATEN GOLD

The demonetization of silver by the government in 1873, and its greatproduction, had reduced the value of the white metal one-half, so youngHarris resolved to seek for gold, and began a search, which proved to bea most romantic success. 

At first he hesitated to leave Montana, as its quartz veins and sluiceboxes in twenty-five years had poured out $400, 000, 000, and its mineralresources were yet almost wholly unknown. The area of this singlemountainous state could not be blanketed by the six New England States, and New York, or covered by England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotlandcombined. 

Finally Alfonso determined to follow the great mineral belt in asouthwesterly direction even to the Sierra Nevada Range if need be. AtLivingston he went south by railway through a gateway of the mountains, and up the fertile Paradise Valley, following the cool green waters ofthe Yellowstone alive with trout and equally gamesome graylings. 

At Cinnabar Alfonso joined a merry party of tourists, who mounted aConcord coach, and the four grays were urged to a brisk pace over asmooth government road towards the great National Park. How exhilaratingthis six miles' ride, and how imposing the scenery, as the coach entersthis Geologist's Paradise!

The Yellowstone or National Park contains 2, 288, 000 acres, and is fiftytimes the size of France's greatest park at Fontainebleau. Its altitudeis a half mile higher than the summit of Mt. Washington, and the wholepark is encircled by snow-clad peaks and majestic domes from three tofive thousand feet high. This reservation by Congress in 1872, of 3575square miles of public domain in perpetuity for the pleasure of thepeople, was a most creditable act. 

Alfonso found that the park abounded in wild gorges, grand canyons, dancing cascades, majestic falls and mountains, picturesque lakes, curious hot springs, and awe-inspiring geysers. He and his party pushedthrough the Golden Gate, marveled at the wonders of the Norris andFirehole Basins, stood entranced before the mighty Canyon then bathed inthe transparent Yellowstone Lake, and by nine o'clock were lulled tosleep in the shade of fragrant pines. 

After breakfast next morning, while Alfonso and the hotel guests sat onthe porch, a retired army captain, who had served in the Seventh U. S. Cavalry, said he wished a party could be organized to visit GeneralCuster's monument east of the National Park on the Little Big Horn River. There the Government had marked the historic battleground, where on themorning of the 24th of June, 1876, two hundred of the famous SeventhCavalry and their brave leader, were overwhelmed and slaughtered by 2, 500Indians under the famous chief, Sitting Bull. Custer was tall andslender, with blue eyes and long light hair. He had fought at Bull Runand Gettysburg, and was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox. He waspromoted to brigadier general when he was twenty-three years old, andbecame major general when he was twenty-five. Eleven horses were shotunder him. Once he saved the flag by tearing it from its staff andconcealing it in his bosom. What Napoleon said of Ney is also true ofCuster, "He was the bravest of the brave. "

The recital of Custer's deeds nerved Alfonso to renewed efforts to winChristine's hand. He declined with thanks to join the captain's excursionparty, and early next day rode south into the upper basin of the Park, which contains over 400 springs and geysers; many of the springs in theirpeculiar shapes, translucent waters, and variety and richness of color, are of exquisite beauty. Alfonso visited emerald and sapphire springs, where it is said nymphs, elfs, and fairies came to bathe, and don theirdainty dress of flowers and jewelled dew drops. 

Many bronzed tourists had assembled, and their faces showed amazement asthey watched giant geysers in action. Suddenly the solid earth istremulous with rumbling vibrations, like those that herald earthquakes. Frightful gurgling sounds are audible in the geyser's throat. Sputteringsteam is visible above the cone, the water below boils like a cauldron, and scalding hot, the eruption becomes terribly violent, belching forthclouds of smoke-like steam, and hurling rocks into the air as thougha mortar of some feudal stronghold had been discharged. The stupendouscolumn of hot water is veiled in spray as it mounts towards heaven. Boiling water is flowing in brooks to the Firehole River, which is soonswollen to a foaming torrent washing away the bridges below. The valleyis filled with dense vapors, and the air is laden with sulphurous fumes, while the hoarse rumblings and subterranean tremors chill the heart. Beneath your feet are positive evidences of eternal fires, and all aboutyou the might of God. Alfonso was glad to leave this region of thesupernatural. 

He hastened across the Snake River, which winds through Idaho, and pushedon towards the Teton Range, one of many that form the Rocky Mts. In sightare snow-touched sentinel peaks kissed by earliest and latest sun. TheRocky Mts. Or Great Continental Divide is a continuation of the famousAndes of South America, and jointly they form the longest and mostuniform chain of mountains on the globe. Amid the gorges of this systemof mountains, over 3000 miles in length, America's largest rivers havetheir birth, and find their outlet into the Atlantic, Arctic, and PacificOceans. 

These mountains are vast vaults that will hold in trust for centuries tocome untold supplies of precious metal for the American nations. Thisgeneral fact did not concern Alfonso. He was ambitious to unlock for hisown use only a single box of the huge vault. He was familiar with thewonderful story of Mackay, Fair, Flood, and O'Brien, Kings of theComstock Lode, and owners of the Big Bonanza, who paid their 600 minersfive dollars per day in gold, for eight hours' labor a third of a milebelow the earth's surface. The Comstock Lode yielded over $5, 000, 000 permonth, or a total output of silver and gold of over $250, 000, 000. 

For six long weary months Alfonso and his companion searched for golddown the Green River and along the river bottom of the Grand Canyon ofthe Colorado, till they reached the Needles on the A. & P. Railway. Thence they rode west to Kern River. This stream they followed onhorseback into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, all the time searching forprecious metals, especially gold. The mountains were crossed over toOwen's Lake, and a river traced north. Alfonso was prospecting in newfields, but his search thus far was fruitless. His companion sickened anddied, but Alfonso bravely climbed among the mountains hoping to cross thecrest and reach the cabins of friendly government officials on duty inthe park of the big trees in Mariposa County. 

It was late in the fall, grasses and leaves had browned, Alfonso's horsehad grown thin, and being too weak and lame to go forward, finally died. His provisions had given out; his own strength and courage had failed; heneeded water for his parched tongue and lips, but none was at hand; feverquickened his pulse. Sitting alone in the shadow of a giant boulder thatafforded partial protection from the gathering storm, his mind revertedto his home at Harrisville where abundance could be had, to his familythat thought him dead, and to Christine across the sea, whom he hadvowed to win with gold. All seemed lost. Alfonso's head reeled, he fellback upon the ground, and the early snows seemed to form for him ashroud. 

Good fortune guided this way a party of Yosemite Indians, who werereturning from an extended hunt for deer and elk. They had also slain afew bears and a couple of mountain lions. The dead horse first arrestedtheir attention, and then the exhausted miner was found asleep coveredwith snow. The Indians wrapped the sick man at once in a grizzly bearskin, fastened him to a pony, and carried him to their camp near the bigtrees. It was morning before Alfonso was conscious of his surroundings. Standing by him was a shy Indian maiden with a dish of hot soup. His bed, he discovered was in a burned-out cavity of one of the big trees. Near bywere several tepees, the tops of which emitted smoke. Straight, black-haired Indians in bright blankets moved slowly from tent to tent. 

Alfonso scarcely conscious had strange dreams. Sometimes he thought hewas in the Hodoo Region, or Goblin Land, the abode of evil spirits, wherehe saw every kind of fantastic beast, bird, and reptile, and no end ofspectral shapes in the winding passages of a weird labyrinth on a far-offisland. Then his dreams were of rare beauty. Green foliage was changed topure white, the trees became laden with sparkling crystals, roadways andstreams were laid in shining silver, and geyser-craters enlarged instrange forms resembled huge white thrones in gorgeous judgment halls. Such fleeting beauty suggested to Alfonso's feverish brain thesupernatural, the abode perhaps of spirit beings. For days the medicineman and Mariposa, daughter of the Indian chief, watched and cared forAlfonso, whose life hovered over the grave. 

Mariposa, Spanish for butterfly, was a fit name for the pretty Indianmaiden. She paid great deference not only to her tall father, Red Cloud, but to the pale faces whenever in their presence. For four yearsMariposa, unusually bright, attended the Indian school at Carlisle, Pa. ;when she returned to her wild home in the forest she was able to speakand read the language of the pale face, and beside she loved history andpoetry. 

One day, Alfonso's health having slowly improved, Mariposa put in hishands a small pine cone, the size of a hen's egg, and said, "Three yearsgo by from the budding to the ripening of the seed of the sequoias, orbig trees. "

Alfonso did not know, till Mariposa told him that the big trees werecalled sequoia in honor of a Cherokee chief, Sequoyah, who inventedletters for his people. She also told Alfonso that there were at leastten groves of big trees on the northern slope of the Sierra Nevada range;that some of the trees were thirty feet in diameter, and 325 feet inheight; that sixteen Yosemite braves on their ponies had taken refugefrom a terrible storm in the hollow of a single sequoia. Alfonso prizedhighly a cane, fashioned by the Indian maiden from a fallen Big Tree. Thewood had a pale red tint, and was beautifully marked and polished. 

Part of the Indian hunting party went forward with the game, whileMariposa, Red Cloud, and three Yosemite braves with their ponies, waitedfor the handsome pale face to recover partially. Then they rode withAlfonso among the Big Trees, past Wawona, toiling up long valleys, stopping now and then to cook simple food. The Indians followed afamiliar trail up dark gulches, along steep grades, through heavy timber, skirting edges of cliffs and precipitous mountains, the ruggednessconstantly increasing, till suddenly Mariposa conducted Alfonso to a highpoint where his soul was filled with enthusiasm. Mariposa, pointing tothe gorge or canyon of extraordinary depth, which was floored with foresttrees and adorned with waterfalls, said, "Here in the Yosemite (grizzly)Valley is the home of my people. Here we wish to take you until you arewell. Will you go?"

Alfonso, still weak and pale, but trusting the Indian girl, replied"Yes. " The young artist-miner had never seen such stupendous masonry; thegranite walls that surrounded the valley were a succession of peaks anddomes, from three thousand to four thousand feet high, all eloquent inthought and design. Alfonso began sketching, but Mariposa motioned himto put his paper aside, and the six Indian ponies with their burdenscarefully picked their way into the paradise below. 

Red Cloud, Mariposa, Alfonso, and the braves were received withexpressions of joy unusual for the stolid red men, and Alfonso was givena tent to himself near the chief's big tepee, close by a broad clearstream, and in the shadow of large old oaks. Here for several daysAlfonso tarried, grew stronger, and often walked with pretty Mariposa. She taught him a novel method of trapping trout which thronged the river. She had him sketch the reflection in Mirror Lake of cathedral spires anddomes, of overhanging granite rocks, and tall peaks of wildest grandeur. 

He also sketched several waterfalls fed by melting snow. Mariposa'sfavorite falls at the entrance to the valley made a single leap ofhundreds of feet, and when the white spray was caught by the breezes andthe sun, the lace-like mist, sparkling like diamonds, swayed gracefullyin the winds like a royal bridal veil. "The highest of a series ofcascades, " Mariposa said, "was called 'The Yosemite Falls. '"

Here eagles soar above the Cap of Liberty and other granite peaks. Robins, larks, and humming birds swarm in the warm valley, and abundanceof grass grows in the meadows for the Indian ponies. 

As Alfonso's strength increased, he walked more frequently with Mariposaalong the banks of the river, by the thickets of young spruce, cedar, andmanzanita with its oddly contorted red stems. At times, each vied withthe other in bringing back echoes from the lofty granite walls of thevalley. 

One sunset, as Alfonso and Mariposa sat by the river bank, Alfonsoholding the light redwood cane, the gift of the maiden, he took theshapely hand of Mariposa in his own and said, "Mariposa, I owe my life toyou, and if I am ever rich I will come back and reward you. "

"I shall miss you, " said the maiden shyly, "I want no money; I am happybecause you are well again. "

"Mariposa, I have long searched for gold, " said Alfonso, "but finallyI lost courage, became sick, and you know the rest. You have a ring ofbeaten gold on your finger, did it come from near here?"

"My father gave it to me, " was all that Mariposa would say about the ringas they separated for the night. 

It was past midnight when Alfonso felt someone pulling at his shoulder. There in the moonlight stood Mariposa beckoning him to come. Quicklydressing, Alfonso left his tent without speaking as the maiden put herfingers to her lips, and quietly following Mariposa they walked by thesilver stream into a wild gorge. Graceful pines afforded cover forMariposa and Alfonso, as swift of foot, they scaled high cliffs, till theIndian girl held aloft her hand, and above in a cleft of white quartz theyellow gold shone brightly in the moon's rays. 

When the time came for Alfonso to leave the Yosemite Valley, one ofnature's masterpieces, tears filled the eyes of lovely Mariposa. Heearnestly thanked Red Cloud and his daughter, and, saying good-bye, mounted his pony, a gift from Mariposa, when the girl ran to him andwhispered, "Here, Alfonso, is the ring; bring it back to me when you arerich, but you will forget Mariposa. "

"No! no!" replied Alfonso, "I will bring back the ring, and you shallgive it to the one who makes you his bride. " Then the Indian girl turnedher face toward the Bridal Veil Falls, and Alfonso rode sadly out of thevalley. 

After several years, still wearing the magic band of beaten gold, havingdeveloped the Mariposa Gold Mines into property worth millions, Alfonsoleft the far west to seek beautiful Christine. 

CHAPTER XXV

WORKINGS OF THE HARRIS-INGRAM PLAN

A telegram received at Liverpool by Reuben Harris from Marquis LeoColonna, who at the Colonel's request went on to Amsterdam, verified thefacts as to Alfonso's death by drowning. Colonel and Mrs. Harris'sjourney back to America under leaden and unsympathetic skies was sadindeed. 

George and Gertrude met them on the pier at New York. The next day atnoon, in deep mourning, they received the remains of Lucille from theyacht "Hallena. "

Ten days with Lucille on the pitiless ocean, and unable to exchangewith her a word of love, had sunk deeply the iron of affliction intothe soul of Harry Hall. He often wished that he had never been born. Hedreaded every new sunset, as the darkness that gathered about hiscatafalque-yacht whispered to him of cruel fates, of rest in the deepsea, and of angels' songs. Like the silent vigils of certain watchfulplants, Captain Hall carefully observed his compasses, studied theweather, and often wished that he too might cross over and rejoinLucille. 

 * * * * *

Ten days went by before Colonel Harris visited the offices of theHarris-Ingram Steel Co. Then followed several meetings of the directors, at which it was finally decided to issue the following circular:

 Official Notice, No. 27. Offices of The Harris-Ingram Steel Co. , 400 to 410 Brough Building, Harrisville, O. --

 _To Whom, it may Concern_, --

 For the purpose of better promoting the harmonious workings of capital and labor, The Harris-Ingram Steel Co. , Limited, has been organized, and its scope of co-operation has been planned on the following basis. 

 Capital Stock of the Harris-Ingram Steel Company $5, 000, 000 Total number of shares 500, 000 Par value each share $10

 The liability of each stockholder is limited to the amount of stock held. Half of the entire stock of the corporation shall be owned by so-called "capital, " and half by the employees of the company, or so-called "labor. " The stock issued shall represent the actual cash expended upon the plant, and employed as a working capital. It is the wish of the management that each employee in the steel company shall own at least ten shares of the stock, and more, if he so desires. 

 All the stock bought is to be paid for in cash. A loan at 4% interest, equal to the par value of the stock, can be made by employees, when necessary, to purchase a limited amount of the stock. Ten per cent of the wages of all such employees will be retained as needed, which, with dividends actually earned by the stock, will be applied on the amounts due for the purchase of stock and real estate for a home. The new model town will be known as Harris-Ingram. 

 Two thousand acres of land near the mills will be properly allotted and improved by the company for homes for the employees, and practical architects have been secured. It is further the wish of the steel company that each employee shall own a good home. The size of each lot is 50 ft. X 200 ft. And the price per lot is $50 which is in proportion to the original cost and improvement of the allotment, so that the employees in advance will thus secure all the profits that result from any increased value of the lots. This is only just. 

 A Stock and Building Bureau will be established, and money, at 4%, will be furnished the employees to build comfortable homes. This bureau created and officered by the employees will attend to the purchase and sale of stock, lots, the construction of homes, and the payment for the same. When for any reason, an employee desires to sever his connection with the steel company, his stock in the company and his home, if sold, must first be offered at a fair price to the Stock and Building Bureau. 

 By this scheme capital and labor will have equal interests in the Harris-Ingram Steel Co. , also an equal voice in the management of the steel company's welfare. Should capital and labor disagree, then the matter in dispute, with all the facts, and before any strike on the part of labor shall occur, shall at once be submitted to arbitration, and the decision of the arbitrators shall be final. 

 Signed by George Ingram, _President of The Harris-Ingram Steel Co_. 

In eight months George Ingram had spent of the five millions at hisdisposal three million dollars on the steel plant. A working capital of$500, 000 was deposited in four banks, and the balance of one and a halfmillions was invested in call loans, and so held ready to loan in smallamounts at 4%, to aid employees in securing their quota of stock, a lotand house. 

In twelve months, the $2, 500, 000 stock of the company, allotted tolabor, had been subscribed for by the employees, over a thousand prettycottages, costing from $1, 000 to $2, 500 each, were built or in process ofconstruction, and nearly three thousand lots had been bought by theworkmen. 

A Co-operative Supply Bureau was organized and managed in the interestsof the workmen, to furnish food, clothing, and all the necessary comfortsof life at about cost prices. The profits of the bureau, if any, were tobe divided annually among purchasers, in proportion to purchases made. 

Women in Harris-Ingram voted on several matters the same as the men. Saloons, all forms of gambling, and corruption in politics weretabooed. Sewerage was scientifically treated by the use of chemicalsand machinery. Storm water only was sent to the lake. The valuableportions of the sewerage were utilized on adjacent vegetable farms. AtHarris-Ingram electrical energy supplied water free for streets, lawns, and gardens, and filtered water was delivered free for family purposes. All the public buildings and homes were heated and lighted byelectricity. 

A Transportation Bureau was organized to manage the electric railways inthe interests of the people, and the fare was reduced to two cents. Everybody rode, and the receipts were astonishingly large and quitesufficient to meet expenses and leave a profit, which went into the towntreasury. Thus the people received large benefits from the electricrailway, conduits for wires, gas privileges, and other franchises. 

Electricity also propelled the pleasure launches and fishing boats. Thesmoke nuisance was a vexatious trouble of the past. Life for the laborerand his family ceased to be a burden. Eight hours were given toconscientious labor, eight hours to physical, mental, and moralimprovements, and eight hours to rest. 

By the Harris beneficences all the employees became personally interestedin the profitable workings of the steel plant. The profits of thebusiness also were greatly increased by the valuable inventions ofthe Ingrams. 

The money advanced to the employees was rapidly returned through thecompany's treasurer to Colonel Harris, and by him, and later by hisheirs, was again invested in other lines of practical benevolence. The act which gave Colonel Harris most comfort was his righting the greatwrong done James Ingram, his early joint-partner, and father of George, his son-in-law. Colonel Harris held $2, 500, 000 of the steel company'sstock. He disposed of this stock as follows:--

To George and Gertrude, each $250, 000 or $500, 000To James Ingram, early partner 1, 000, 000Retaining for himself only 1, 000, 000 ----------Total $2, 500, 000

Since his return Reuben Harris had aged rapidly, his hair havingwhitened, caused probably by the loss of his only son and lovelydaughter. His joy on account of the success of the Co-operative SteelMills could not banish his intense grief. He had performed his life work, and the cares and burdens of the new enterprise he had placed upon GeorgeIngram in whom he had full confidence. He had seen much in his travelsabroad; and now he had learned a most valuable lesson, taught by theSavior himself, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

At the close of a long summer day, as the golden sun dropped into blueLake Erie, the life of Reuben Harris passed from sight. It was a strangecoincidence that the papers Monday morning should contain parallelobituary notices of both Reuben Harris and James Ingram. Togetherthey had labored earnestly for humanity, each in his own way, and nowreconciled, together they entered, --

 "The undiscovered country from whose bourne No traveller returns. "

The four thousand employees, in a body, attended the double funeral. Eachman had been the recipient of tangible assistance from both Harris andIngram, and each laborer felt that he had lost a personal friend. It wasa touching scene as the four regiments of employees, each wearingevidence of mourning on his arm, filed past the two open caskets. Eachemployee left a rose on the caskets till both were hidden from sight. Thethousands of roses were more eloquent than marble or bronze. During theweek, the employees each contributed the wages of two days for bronzestatues of their late employers. 

George and Gertrude felt keenly the loss of their fathers. They alsobecome conscious of increased responsibilities, but each had courage, andgood cheer was imparted if either faltered or stood beneath gray skies. Their home life was delightful. Each possessed the art of controllingtrifles; thus troubles were minimized and joys were magnified. 

Later twins, a boy and girl, entered their home, and the mother said, "Ifyou call our son George Ingram, Jr. , I shall call our daughter GertrudeIngram, Jr. , " and so there lived under the same roof George I. And GeorgeII. , Gertrude I. And Gertrude II. 

Gertrude proved a model wife and mother. The mystery of woman's love andpurity is no longer a secret when we watch the mother in touch withinnocent children. Gertrude gave home duties prominence over all others, with the blessed result that George found more attractions in his ownhome than in clubs or in the homes of his friends. 

To do daily some little favor for his wife, as in lover days, gave himmuch pleasure. Every night George came home with a new book, rareflowers, or fruit, the first of the season, or some novel plaything forhis "Two G's" as he often called the little twins. Gertrude occasionallyrebuked her husband for spending the money foolishly, as she said, butthen remembrance of his family when down town gratified her. Wives missand long for appreciation more than for better dress or money. If, onreturn to tea, the bread is good, the thoughtful husband speaks of it. Ifthe table-cloth is white or if the arrangement of the meal is artistic, he speaks of it. A single word of honest approval makes the wife happy. 

Sometimes Gertrude wondered why the marriage ceremony so often untiedlovers' knots, and why after marriage love and esteem did not increase. She never forgot the advice of an old lady, too poor to make her awedding present, who told her that if she wished to be happy in marriageshe must always keep two bears in her home, bear and forbear. 

George and his wife were human, and not unlike other people. Now and thenGeorge would say to his intimate friends. "The Ingrams like most NewEnglanders did not come over in the Mayflower as the passenger list wasfull, neither do the Ingrams belong to that very large number of familieswho feel the necessity of saying, 'We have never had an unkind wordin our home. ' Gertrude and I both have strong wills, and we often differin opinions, but as often we agree to disagree. In this manner we avoidsunken rocks that might wreck our ship. "

One day, Irene, George's youngest sister, asked Gertrude for a paintingof herself and of George. "Too expensive, Irene, " replied Gertrude, "couldn't think of it for a moment. "

"No, Gertrude, I want only a tiny picture of your thumb and George's. "

"What in the world do you want of our thumbs?"

"Because, Gertrude, George tells me privately that he has you completelyunder his thumb, and you always act as if you thought you had Georgeunder your thumb. "

Gertrude and George were strong and helpful, both educated, unselfishand ambitious; why should they not succeed? Gertrude had learned thatgood and great people are also sometimes selfish. When a little girl, she was present with her father who was invited to take dinner with adistinguished divine. The good doctor of divinity did the carving, andadroitly managed to keep for his own plate the tenderest piece of steak. Colonel Harris observed the fact, and enjoying a joke, casually observed, "Doctor, how well you carve!" The good man saw his breach of hospitalityand blushed, remarking, "Colonel, you must forgive me for I believe I wasborn with a delicate stomach. "

Business cares were locked up in the office desk down town, and Gertrudeforgot home annoyances as soon as George was seen coming up the lawn, andshe and the twins ran to meet "papa. " He always brought home the latestliterary and scientific magazines and journals, while the reviews ofAmerica and London kept the family up-to-date on the latest books andleading topics. George's vacations were sometimes taken with his ownemployees, all of whom in the heated months, had two weeks off, somecamping along the shores of the lake, others taking boat excursions toneighboring groves, or enjoying the outdoor band concerts which werefurnished every other evening on the public park. 

What concerned his employees, concerned him. When any of his workmenwere injured or sick, the company at once sent a surgeon or physician. Rightly, he thought it more important that an employee should be keptin good working order than even his best piece of machinery. 

George Ingram was once heard to say that eleven letters covered a largepart of his religion, and that he wished he could write across the bluedome in letters of gold the word "Helpfulness. " To assist an unfortunateindividual permanently to help himself, is preaching a gospel thatbetters the world. 

The community of Harris-Ingram had little or no poverty. Everybody hadmoney in the savings bank, or accumulations going into pretty homes, andmill stock, and all respected law and order, hence few if any policemenwere ever seen on the streets. Everybody was well dressed, courteous, anddaily growing more intelligent. Taxes were light, and generalimprovements were economically and promptly made. 

Both George and Gertrude believed that the tendency of the age wastowards more practical education for the people. London publishesmillions of penny books, penny histories and biographies, pennyarithmetics, astronomies and dictionaries, and penny books to teach goodbehavior, honor, and patriotism. In London and elsewhere, the people wereorganizing workmen's clubs, colleges, and institute unions, for mutualimprovement, and glimpses were already caught of Morris's "EarthlyParadise that is to be. "

 "Then a man shall work and bethink him, and rejoice in the deeds of his hand, Nor yet come home in the even too faint and weary to stand. Men in that time a-coming shall work and have no fear For to-morrow's lack of earning and the hungry-wolf a-near. Oh, strange, new, wonderful justice! But for whom shall we gather the gain? For ourselves and for each of our fellows, and no hand shall labor in vain. "

Free night schools over the country, for the child of eight to the man ofeighty, will go a long way in solving the troublesome socialisticproblem. 

George was familiar with the generous gifts and deeds of the Pratts ofBaltimore, and of Brooklyn, of Carnegie, of Lorillard & Co. , of WarnerBrothers of Connecticut, and of the Messrs. Tangye of Birmingham, England. The latter firm provides for its thousands of workmen a library, evening classes, and twice a week, while the employees are at dinner in agreat hall, a twenty minutes crisp talk by capable persons on some livetopic. 

George Ingram organized an Educational Bureau for the improvement of hisemployees and others by evening schools and public entertainments. Asrequisite for the success of such a bureau as he planned, he publishedthe conditions as follows:--

 1. Several study rooms and good teachers. 

 2. A large and cheerful hall, church or opera house for lectures, that the prices may be low, the audience must be large. 

 3. A capable committee or manager, enthusiasm, good temper, fertility of resource and sympathy with the people. Common sense coupled with determined perseverance works wonders. 

 4. Variety and quality in the entertainment, with no wearying pauses between the parts. The movement must be swift and sure. 

 5. Punctuality and business-like thoroughness in the management. Begin and end on the minute. Give exactly what you promise; or, if that be impossible, what will be recognized as a full equivalent. Ideas, not words, old or new on every helpful subject in the universe, spoken or illustrated. Music that rests or inspires, and is understood. 

 6. Sell 5, 000 season tickets at $1. 00 in advance to secure a guarantee fund; this is sound business, as success is then assured, and it will not depend upon the weather. 

 7. Have prominent citizens preside at each entertainment, but pledge them to crisp introduction. High grade entertainments wisely managed, prove themselves of benign influence, and an agency more potent than many laws in the preservation of peace and the reform of public morals. 

When Colonel Harris's will was probated, two-thirds of the balance ofhis fortune was left in trust with Mrs. Harris, George, and Gertrude, to be used for the public welfare, as they deemed wisest. The trusteesused $100, 000 to build for the Workmen's Club a large and attractiveCentral Hall, that had steep double galleries, and five thousand operachairs. 

Several necessary committees were organized and George Ingram's gospel ofHelpfulness found another practical expression. The Educational Bureauwas not a gratuity in any of its departments, as small fees were chargedin all the evening classes, which were crowded with old and young. Fortwenty consecutive Saturday evenings in the winter season, a four-foldintellectual treat was furnished at $1. 00 for tickets for the entirecourse. 

By 7:30 o'clock in the evening the Central Hall was packed to the walls, no reserved seats were sold, and the rule was observed "First come, firstserved, " which brought promptly the audience. Season ticket-holders hadthe exclusive right to the hall till 7:25 o'clock, when a limited numberof single admission tickets were sold. A large force of polite ushersassisted in seating the people, and in keeping order. At 7:30 all theentrance doors were closed, so that late comers never disturbed theaudience. 

The musical prelude, or orchestra concert of thirty minutes closed at7:30 with a grand chorus by the audience standing; following this, precisely at 7:30 was the half-hour lecture-prelude on some scientificor practical subject. Among the topics treated were "Wrongs ofWorkingmen, and How to Right Them, " "The Terminal Glacier, " "Sewerage andVentilation, " "The Pyramids, " "Wonders of the House we Live in, ""Architecture Illustrated, " etc. 

From 8:00 to 8:15 followed the popular Singing School, in which fivethousand persons heartily joined, aided by an enthusiastic precentor, andorchestra, in singing national hymns and other music. During the singingschool everybody stood, and with windows lowered, fresh air and musicswept through the hall and the hearts of the audience. 

From 8:15 to 9:30 was given the principal attraction of the evening, apopular lecture, dramatic reading, debate on some burning question, or aprofessional concert. The entertainments always closed promptly at 9:30, as many electric cars were in waiting. During the season, free lectureson "The Art of Cooking, " "How to Dress, " "The Care of Children, ""Housekeeping in General, " "The Culture of Flowers, " etc. , etc. , weregiven at 3 P. M. In the great hall to the wives and friends of all theticket holders. 

The circulation of useful literature was another important feature of theEducational Bureau work. At each entertainment five thousand little booksof forty pages each, a wagon-load, were given to the owners of coursetickets, as they entered the hall. These pamphlets included "A ShortHistory of France, " or "History of the United States, " "Story of theSteam Engine, " "A Brief History of Science, " an "Essay on Early Man, ""Great Artists, " "Secrets of Success, " etc. Each little book containedthe evening's programme, the words and music of at least two nationalhymns, and "Owl Talks, " a single page of crisp thoughts, to whet one'swits. At the close of each season the twenty pamphlets, continuouslypaged, were bound for fifty cents in two volumes with covers of redcloth. Thus the people got much for little, and they were benefited andpleased with their bargain. Encores and the discourtesy of stamping thefeet and leaving the hall before the performance was concluded wereabolished. Palms and fragrant flowers were always on the platform. Everybody listened attentively to the kindly words of teacher, orator, or poet; new impulses were received, and all rejoiced in the supply andsatisfaction of their deepest and best wants. Feelings of a commonbrotherhood made hearts happier and lives better. 

Workmen went home sober with their week's earnings in their pockets, asthere were no saloons in the town, a bright book to read, and a home oftheir own for shelter and rest. Thus also an improved citizenship wasobtained and the nation was made stronger. 

George Ingram thought that all our cities should have large, cheerfulhalls, people's forums, where clear and simple truths on importantquestions should be taught. He believed that it would prove an antidoteto various forms of anarchy and communism, which under the aegis ofliberty are being advocated in our cities. 

The trustees of the Harris estate set aside $250, 000, to be known as "TheReuben Harris Fund, " to assist in providing regular courses of freepublic lectures upon the most important branches of natural and moralscience, also free instruction to mechanics and artisans in drawing, andin practical designing, in patterns for prints, silks, paper hangings, carpets, furniture, etc. Free courses of lectures were given to advancedstudents in art, also lectures in physics, geology, botany, physiology, and the like for teachers, and the public. 

Gertrude felt that the perpetuity and usefulness of such a fund ormonument dedicated to her father would outrival the pyramids. She greatlyencouraged among the wives of the workmen the growth of kindergartens forchildren, and the cultivation of flowers, in and out of their homes, offering valuable prizes at annual flower shows. Harrisville voted toannex the village of Harris-Ingram, hoping that the gospel of helpfulnessthat had worked such wonders might leaven their whole city. 

George Ingram was now forty years of age. His great ability and practicalgood sense had arrested the attention and admiration of not only his ownemployees, but of the citizens of Harrisville, who demanded that heshould be chosen mayor of the city. 

CHAPTER XXVI

UNEXPECTED MEETINGS

Christine De Ruyter had long contemplated a visit to the new world. She was familiar with the history of the Dutch West India Company, apolitical movement organized under cover of finding a passage to Cathay, to destroy the results of Spanish conquest in America. 

No doubt, love of discovery and of trade also stimulated the Dutch inmaking explorations. In the vessel "Half Moon" they sailed up the Hudson, and after building several forts, they finally established themselves inNew Netherlands. Peter Minuit for a trifle bought from the Indians thewhole of Manhattan Island. In locating on Manhattan Island, the Dutchsecretly believed that they had secured the oyster while the Englishsettlements further north and south were the two shells only. Thedevelopment of almost three centuries and the supremacy of New Yorkto-day, as the new world metropolis, verifies the sound sense of theDutch. 

Christine was alive to the important part which her countrymen had earlyplayed across the Atlantic. Her mother had died, and Christine stillunmarried, controlled both her time and a goodly inheritance. Sheresolved to visit her sister Fredrika, whose husband was agent in NewYork of a famous German line of vessels. 

En route from Holland to New York she spent two weeks with friends inLondon, and on Regent Street replenished her wardrobe, enjoyed Irvingand Terry in their latest play, attended an exciting Cambridge-Oxfordboat-race on the Thames, and with a great crowd went wild with delightat the English races at Epsom Downs. 

Saturday at 9:40 A. M. At the Waterloo Station several friends sawChristine off for America on the special train, the Eagle Express, of theSouth Western Railway, which makes the journey of 79 miles to Southamptonin one hour and forty minutes. 

At Southampton the passengers were transferred on the new express dock, direct from the train to the steamers, which are berthed alongside. Bythis route passengers escape exposure to weather on tenders and landingstage, and avoid all delays at ports of call, and waiting for the tidesto cross the bar. 

Promptly at 12 o'clock, hawsers and gangways vanishing, the great steamermoved down the bay, the fertile Isle of Wight in sight. Officers madenote of the time as the Needles were passed, as the runs of the steamersare taken between the Needles and Sandy Hook. It was a bright breezyafternoon and after lunch the passengers lounged on the decks, or inthe smoke room; some inspected their rooms, some read the latest Frenchor English novel, and others in groups gossiped, or walked the decks tosharpen appetite. 

The second steward, of necessity a born diplomat, had succeeded inconvincing most who were at lunch that he had given them favored seats, if not all at the Captain's table, then at the table of the firstofficer, a handsome man, or at the table with the witty doctor. 

Christine did not appear at lunch, as she was busy in her stateroom. Shehad given careful instructions that one of her trunks should be sent atonce to her room. An hour before dinner there appeared on the promenadedeck a beautiful young woman dressed in black, who attracted attentionand no little comment. She wore a dress of Henrietta cloth, and capetrimmed with black crepe and grosgrained ribbons in bows with long ends. Her tiny hat with narrow band of white crepe was of the Marie Stuartstyle; her gloves were undressed kid, her handkerchief had black border, and her silk parasol was draped in black. 

Hers was the same pretty face and blue eyes that had won Alfonso's heart. She supposed him dead; her dress of mourning was not for him, but for hermother, whom she idolized. At first Christine hesitated about wearingblack on the journey, but she soon learned that it increased her charms, and that it gave protection from annoyance. Many supposed she was a youngwidow. So thought a handsome naval officer whom she had met in London. When Christine returned to her room, she found that a messenger boy hadbrought her his card, with compliments, and a request that she occupy aseat at his table for the voyage. With a black jacket on her arm, Christine was conducted to her seat at dinner by the chief steward. Shewore a plain black skirt and waist of black and white, with black beltand jet buckle. 

An up-to-date liner is a sumptuous hotel afloat. The safety, speed, andcomfort of the modern steamer does not destroy but rather enhances theromance of ocean voyage. The handsome young officer and pretty Christine, as they promenaded the decks, added effect to the passing show. Hermourning costume gradually yielded to outing suits of violet tints withwhite collar and cuffs, and a simple black sailor's cap with white cordfor band. 

Artist that Christine was, and lover of the ocean, she and the officerwatched the sea change from a transient green to a light blue and backagain, then to a deep blue when the sun was hidden in a cloud, then, whenthe fogs were encountered, to a cold grey. 

Christine took great interest in the easy navigation of the steamer; shewatched the officers take observations, and verify the ship's run. Frequently she was seen with the young officer on the bridge, he pointingout the lighthouse on the dangerous Scilly Islands, the last sight of oldEngland off Land's End, she enjoying the long swell and white crestedbillows, as the shelter of the British coast was left behind. 

A charming first night aboard ship it was, the moon full, the skypicturesque, the sea dark, except where the steamer and her screwschurned it white; at the bow, showers and spray of phosphorus, andat the stern, rippling eddies and a long path of phosphorus and whitefoam. 

Christine wished she could transfer to canvas the swift steamer, as shefelt it in her soul, powerful as a giant and graceful as a woman; at themast-head an electric star, red and green lights on either side, long rowsof tremulous bulbs of light from numerous portholes; the officers on thebridge with night glass in hand, walking to and fro, dark figures ofsailors at the bow and in the crow's nest, all eyes and ears. "All'swell" lulls to sleep the after-dinner loungers in chairs along the deck, while brave men and fair women keep step to entrancing music. 

With a week of favorable weather, and unprecedented speed the record outwas won; officers, sailors, passengers, all were jubilant. On Pier 14, North River, Fredrika and her husband met Christine, and drove to theirfine home overlooking the Central Park. 

 * * * * *

Alfonso Harris had come on to New York to spend a week of pleasure;already he had secured his ticket for Amsterdam via Antwerp by the RedStar Line. He was prepared to keep his promise to Christine. "To matchgold with gold!"

In his rounds among the artists he happened to step into the ArtStudent's League, and there learned that his old artist-chum, Leo, wasin New York, and stopping at the Plaza Hotel. At once he took cab, and, surely enough, there on the hotel register was the name Leo Colonna, Rome. Alfonso sent up his card, and the waiter soon returned with thereply, "The marquis will see Mr. Harris at once in his rooms. " It isneedless to say that the marquis was both shocked and delighted to seealive a friend whom he supposed long ago dead. 

After dinner Alfonso and Leo drove to their old club, and as ever talkedand confided in each other. Alfonso told the marquis the romantic storyof his life, of his pecuniary success, and that he should sail in a fewdays to wed Christine, if possible. 

The marquis hesitated in his reply, as if in doubt whether to proceed ornot. Observing this, Alfonso said, "Speak freely, tell me what you werethinking about. "

"Nothing, Alfonso, only a report I heard at the club last night. "

"What report, marquis?"

"A report or story concerning a beautiful widow, who had just arrivedfrom Amsterdam. From the minute description given--she had fair face, blue eyes, fleecy hair and loved art--I suspected that the woman in blackmight be Christine De Ruyter. "

"You surprise me, Leo, but what was the report?"

"Alfonso, pardon me, I have said too much already. "

"No, go on and tell me all. "

"Alfonso, since the report is concerning a woman's character, my lipsshould be sealed, and would be, except you my friend are the mostinterested party. The club story is that a handsome young officer, wholeft his newly wedded wife in Bristol, England, was so much enamored ofthe charming widow aboard ship that suspicions were aroused, and in factconfirmed, by an additional report that valuable diamonds had been sentby the same officer from Tiffany's to the lady, who is stopping somewhereon Central Park. There, Alfonso, I have given you the story and the wholemay be true or false. "

It was now Alfonso's turn to be shocked; he could not believe what themarquis had told him. Next day he visited the office of the AmericanLine, found that Christine De Ruyter was a passenger on the last steamer, and the purser gave him her New York address. Then the marquisvolunteered to call, in Alfonso's interests, upon Miss De Ruyter whoseemed glad to see him, and was amazed with the story which he had totell, not only of himself, and his good fortune, but that of Alfonso. That the latter was alive and wealthy was news almost too good tobelieve. 

The marquis reported to Alfonso that Christine was overjoyed to have abygone mystery so fortunately cleared up, and that she sent him an urgentinvitation to call at once. 

Christine congratulated herself over her good luck at the very thresholdof the new world. "Strange romance, indeed, it would be, " she mused toherself, "if, after having refused the poor artist, he having gainedriches should prove loyal, and lay his heart and fortune at my feet!Would I reject him? No, indeed! He has gold now. " Thus musing to herselfbefore the mirror, she gave final touches to her toilet, and stepped downinto her sister's sumptuous parlor to wait for a lover, restored from thedepths of the sea. 

Promptly at 9 o'clock Alfonso was ushered into Fredrika's parlor. For asecond, Christine stood fixed and pale, for Alfonso it really was, andshe had believed him dead; then extending her hand she gave him greeting. For a full hour Alfonso and Christine talked, each telling much of whathad transpired in the intervening years. Alfonso said he was quite asmuch surprised to find that she was still unmarried, as she seemedsurprised that he was still alive. 

"Alfonso, I have waited long for you, " Christine replied. 

"Ah, yes, Christine, but have you been true all these years?"

As Alfonso spoke these words, he sat with Christine's hand in his own, looking inquiringly into her blue eyes for her answer. Her face flushedand she was speechless. 

Alfonso, dropping her hand, said in a kindly voice, "For years I havekept pure and sought to be worthy of you, and fortune has smiled upon me;I could now match gold with gold, but when I demand purity for purityyour silence and your blushes condemn you, and I must bid you a finalfarewell. "

Christine could not answer, and as Alfonso left the house, she fellweeping upon the sofa, where her sister Fredrika found her, long pastmidnight. The terrible sorrow of that evening remained forever a mysteryto Fredrika. 

It was 10 o'clock next morning when the marquis called upon AlfonsoHarris at the Hotel Holland. He found him busy answering importantletters from the coast. The marquis was not long in detecting thatAlfonso lacked his usual buoyancy of spirits, and so rightly concludedthat the meeting with Christine the night before had resultedunfavorably. 

Alfonso explained all that transpired, and the two artists, who hadflattered themselves that they knew women well, admitted to each othertheir keen disappointment in Christine's character. Both lighted cigars, and for a moment or two unconsciously smoked vigorously, as if still indoubt as to their unsatisfactory conclusions. 

Soon Alfonso said, "Leo, how about your own former love, Rosie Ricci? Tomeet Rosie again was possibly the motive that prompted you to leave yourestate in Italy. "

"Yes, Alfonso, I loved Rosie, as I once frankly stated to your sister onthe ocean, but in a moment of peevishness she returned the engagementtokens, and the lovers' quarrel resulted in separation. But after thedeath of Lucille I found the smouldering fires of the old love for Rosieagain easily fanned into a flame, so I crossed the sea in search of mydear country-woman. "

"And did you find her!"

"Yes, Alfonso, that is, all that was left of the vivacious, happysongster, as we once knew her. Her new world surroundings proveddisastrous. "

"How so?"

"Look, here is a picture in water color, that tells the story. " Sayingthis the Marquis slowly removed a white paper from a small sketch whichhe had made the week before. It was a picture in the morgue on the EastRiver, with its half hundred corpses, waiting recognition or burial inthe Potter's Field. Upon a cold marble slab lay the body of a young girl, her shapely hands across her breast. Alfonso recognized Rosie's sweetface and golden tresses that artists had raved over. 

The marquis in sad tones added a few words of explanation. "The senatorwho educated Rosie proved a villain. When she acted as Juliet at theCapitol, fashionable society gave hearty approval of her rare abilities. Rosie's genius, like a shooting star, flashed across the sky and thenshot into oblivion. "

A few days afterwards, Alfonso on the pier with his white handkerchiefwaved adieu to Leo who had resolved to wed art in sunny Italy. Sadmemories decided Alfonso to leave New York at once. For a short time hewas inclined to give up a new purpose, and return to his own family atHarrisville, but the law of equity controlled his heart, he journeyedback to the Pacific Coast, and again approached the Yosemite Valley. 

Seated again on Inspiration Point, he gazed long and earnestly into thegorge below. He could discern neither smoke nor moving forms. All hadchanged; not the peaks, or domes, or wonderful waterfalls; all theseremained the same. But where were Red Cloud and kind-hearted Mariposa?Alfonso's own race now occupied the valley for pleasure and for gain. 

Mariposa might not be of his own race, but she had a noble heart. Education had put her in touch with civilization, and she was as pureas the snow of the Sierras. He wondered if she ever thought of him. Heremembered that, when he rode away, her face was turned toward the BridalVeil Falls. Did she thus intend to say, "I love you?"

At midnight, as the moon rose above the forest, the tall pines whisperedof Mariposa, of wild flowers she was wont to gather, of journeys made tohighest peaks, of weeks of watching and waiting, and of the burial of RedCloud at the foot of an ancient sequoia; then the language of the breezesamong the pines became indistinct, and Alfonso, half-asleep, half-awake, saw approaching a white figure. Two dark eyes full of tears, gazed intohis face, at first with a startled look, and then with a gleam of joy andtrust. 

Alfonso exclaimed, "Mariposa!" He sought to clasp her in his arms, butthe graceful figure vanished, and the pines seemed to whisper, "Alfonso, I go to join the braves in the happy hunting grounds beyond the settingsun. You will wed the fairest of your people. Adieu. "

When Alfonso awoke, the ring of beaten gold was gone, where, he knew not. The tourist-coach was rumbling down the mountain road, and he joined it. After an inspection of his mines, he sadly left the Sierras for SanFrancisco. 

The prophetic words of Mariposa, whispered among the pines, proved true. Alfonso again met Gertrude's best friend, beautiful Mrs. Eastlake, now ayoung widow, and later he married her, making their home on Knob Hill, the most fashionable quarter of the city by the Golden Gate. 

CHAPTER XXVII

THE CRISIS

What is of more value to civilization, or what commands a greater premiumin the world than successful leadership? Successful leaders are few, andthe masses follow. Honor, fame, power, and wealth are some of the rewardsof great leadership. The confidences bestowed and the responsibilitiesassumed are often very great. A betrayal of important trusts, or afailure to discharge responsibilities, usually brings swift and terriblepunishment, poverty, prison, disgrace, and dishonor to descendants. 

George Ingram had proved himself a successful leader, and those who knewhim best, by study of his methods and his works, saw his capacity forleadership. Hence the popular demand for him to stand as candidate formayor of Harrisville. His practical intelligence, and his acuteness inobservation of character, had served him well in organizing, developing, and controlling the greatest model steel-plant of his generation, whichfor quality, quantity, and minimum cost of products had attracted theattention of manufacturers and scientists. Politicians soon discovered inGeorge Ingram natural prudence and tact in behavior. The strong religiouselement of the city conceded that he possessed, as a certain doctor ofdivinity said, "a nice sense of what is right, just and true, with acourse of life corresponding thereto. "

The alert women of the city were in hearty approval of conferring thehonor of Mayor upon George Ingram. They knew that the completeness of hischaracter resulted in no small degree from the influence of his giftedwife. The practical business men of the city saw that the proposedcandidate for mayor had good common sense. So all party spirit was laidaside, as it should be in local politics, and George Ingram was nominatedand elected unanimously as the mayor of Harrisville. His cabinet, composed of the heads of several departments, was filled with able men, who with zest took up their portfolios not with the thought of personalgain but with the lofty purpose of securing the utmost good to everycitizen. 

Fortunately the city had adopted the just principle of paying itsservants liberally for all services rendered. By the so-called "FederalPlan" the number of members of the Cabinet, of the Board of Control, ofthe Council, and of the School Board, has been so reduced that at theirmeetings speeches and angry discussions were tabooed; each associatemember was respected, if not on his own account, then on behalf of hisconstituency, and all business was discussed and consummated withthe same courtesy and efficiency, as at a well regulated board of bankdirectors. 

Never before were streets so well paved, cleaned and sprinkled; neverwere city improvements so promptly made without increase of debt, andnever did public schools prosper better. Men of experience on all lineswere drafted on special committees and commissions, and vigorous worktoward practical ends went forward on river, harbor, and otherimprovements. 

Electricity, supplied by the city, furnished power, heat, and light. Highpressure water relegated the steam fire-engine to the Historical Society, and low pressure water, at minimum cost, was supplied to the people insuch abundance that during the summer season, before sunrise, all pavedstreets were cleansed by running water and brush brooms. All sewerage andgarbage were promptly removed, and used to enrich the suburbanmarket-gardens. 

Every country road leading into the city had its electric railway withcombination passenger and freight cars, and farm products for the peoplewere delivered in better condition, earlier at the markets, and at muchreduced prices. The advantages enjoyed by rich and poor in Harrisvillewere soon noised abroad, and the influx of new comers constantlyincreased the growth of the city. Mayor Ingram had been given are-election. Prosperity in his own business had brought great returns, and the mayor's chief concern was, what to do with his accumulations. 

One day the County Commissioners, the City Government, the Chamber ofCommerce, and the Board of Education were equally surprised to receivefrom George Ingram the announcement that he would build for the people athis own expense a court house, a city hall, a public library, and publicbaths. He had often wondered how it was possible that other millionairescould overlook and miss such opportunities to distribute surplus fundsamong the people. Gertrude early observed the city's needs, and hadpointed out the opportunity to George, urging that part of her father'smoney should be united with their own increasing wealth to supply fundsfor the execution of their plans. 

The four committees appointed by city and county acted speedily in theconsideration of details. It was decided to construct a group ofbuildings on the park. The architecture adopted for all four structureswas Romanesque in style; granite was used for wall work, and darker stonefor ornamentation. The plans accepted exhibited less massiveness than theoriginal Romanesque, and showed a tendency towards the lightness anddelicacy of finish which modern culture demands. 

The new court house located on the park enabled the architect to connectit by an historical "Bridge of Sighs" with the prison and old court houseacross the street. The city hall was properly made the most prominent ofthe group of buildings. Its first floor and basement were combined in agreat assembly hall, capable of seating 10, 000 people with an abundanceof light, fresh air, and eight broad entrances for exit. As the belfry ortower was a leading feature of most mediaeval town-halls, so the artisticfeature of the Harrisville city hall was its lofty tower, containingchimes, above which was to be placed an appropriate bronze statue. Thelibrary and the baths were built on the park. 

The Romanesque style of all the buildings gave fine opportunity tointroduce elaborate carvings about the entrance arches, and across thefaçades to chisel quaint faces above the windows, and grotesque heads outof corbels at the eaves. 

The group of public buildings was finally completed and dedicated withmuch formality. The city government unanimously adopted resolutions asfollows:--

"Resolved, --That the City of Harrisville accepts, with profoundgratitude, from Mayor George Ingram, the munificent gift of buildings fora City Hall and Public Library as stated in his letters of ----; Thatthe City accepts the three noble gifts upon the conditions in saidletter, which it will faithfully and gladly observe, as a sacred trust inaccordance with his desire. 

"Resolved, --That in gratefully accepting these gifts, the Citytenders to Mayor George Ingram its heartfelt thanks, and desires toexpress its deep sense of obligation for the elegant buildings, for yearsof wise counsel and unselfish service, and for the free use of valuablepatents. The City recognizes the Christian faith, generosity, and publicspirit that have prompted him to supply the long felt wants by thesegifts of great and permanent usefulness. "

Similar resolutions were adopted by the county commissioners. 

Nearly three millions were thus disposed of by the mayor and his wife. Close attention to business, and the severe labors in behalf of the city, undermined the health of George Ingram, and his physical and mentalstrength failed him at the wrong time, for his ship was now approachinga cyclone on the financial sea. 

Tariff matters had been drifting from bad to worse, politicians wereseeking to secure advantages for their constituents by changes in thetariff schedule, speculation was running wild in the stock exchanges ofthe country, cautious business men and bankers in the larger citiesdiscovered an ominous black cloud rising out of the horizon. Bank ratesof interest increased, more frequent renewals were made, depositsdwindled, country bankers weakened, and financiers in the metropoliswere calling loans made to the interior. With the financial cyclone atits height, the demands were so great upon The Harris-Ingram Steel Co. That creditors threatened to close the steel plant. 

The cry for help went up from the Harris-Ingram mills, but their trustedleader was powerless. George Ingram lay insensible at death's door, thevictim of pneumonia. For a week, the directors of the steel companystruggled night and day with their difficulties. Gertrude could neitherleave the bedside of her dying husband, nor would she give her consent tohave the Harris-Ingram Experiment wrecked. She had already pledged ascollateral for the creditors of the steel company all their stock andpersonal property, and had telephoned the directors to keep the companyafloat another day, if in their power. 

The ablest physicians of the city were standing at George Ingram'sbedside in despair, as all hope of his recovery had vanished. Gertrudestepped aside into her library, and was in the very agony of prayer forhelp, when in rushed her brother Alfonso, whom the family believed dead. He had come from California with his wife, and stopping at the company'soffice, had learned of the terrible trouble of his family. 

Lifting up his broken-hearted sister, who for a moment thought thatshe had met her brother on the threshold of the other world, he kissedGertrude and said, "Be brave, go back to your husband, and trust yourbrother to look after the steel company's matters. "

Alfonso learned that one million dollars were needed at once to tide overthe company's affairs; he drew two checks, for five hundred thousanddollars each, upon his banks in San Francisco and requested the creditorsto wire to the coast. Before two o'clock replies came that AlfonsoHarris's cheeks were good, and the only son of Reuben Harris had savedthe "Harris-Ingram Experiment. " Mariposa's band of beaten gold had workedits magic. 

 * * * * *

A public funeral was given George Ingram. He was a man the city could illafford to lose, and every citizen felt he had lost a personal friend. Allbusiness was suspended, and the mills were shut down. For two days thebody of the dead mayor lay in state in the city hall he had built andgiven to the people. The long line of citizens that filed past the coffincontinued through the night till dawn, and even then, great throngs stoodin the rain with flowers for his casket. 

As a token of their high regard the people voted to change the name ofthe city of Harrisville to Harris-Ingram, the suburb which was annexed, and to place a bronze statue of George Ingram on the tower above the cityhall, which now became his fitting monument. Labor and capital united inelecting for the head of the great Harris-Ingram Steel Company, Alfonso, the millionaire and artist-son of Reuben Harris.